Suspected shoplifter arrested after brief chase

Published 2:30 pm Monday, December 31, 2018

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A Cordele man is in custody after leading authorities on a brief high-speed chase at around 11 a.m. Monday, according to Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.

Zachary Wright, age 24, was suspected of stealing items from the Wal-Mart store on 16th Avenue this morning. Witnesses were able to identify the car, an older model grey Mercury sedan, Wright used to flee the store, and a Sheriff’s deputy noticed a vehicle matching that description.

When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop shortly thereafter, Wright tried to elude law enforcement agents by driving at a high rate of speed through neighborhoods in the area mostly between 3rd and 5th Streets north of 8th Avenue.

Wright then abandoned his vehicle and fled a short distance on foot. Authorities were able to apprehend him quickly at a shed in the back yard of a residence nearby.

During the pursuit, Wright struck a civilian passenger car on 5th Street near the Crisp County Recreation Department. That driver was unhurt.

Wright faces a number of charges from the Cordele Police Department, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol as a result of attempting to elude officers. He also faces theft charges as a result of the initial incident at Wal-Mart, which sparked the chase.

This is a developing story. More information will be released as it becomes available.