According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, last week, Narcotics Investigators Chatman and Garrett were patrolling near the Watson’s Crossroads area when they observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. They conducted a traffic stop, and as they exited their vehicle and approached, the suspect vehicle accelerated, initiating a pursuit. During the pursuit, the occupants began throwing items out of the vehicle. The pursuit continued into Menlo, GA, onto Highway 157, and crossed into Walker County, GA, where the Georgia State Patrol took over control of the pursuit. The pursuit eventually ended, and Georgia authorities took the driver, Waylon Dale Epps (43 y/o of Gaylesville), and the passenger, Ashley Sheree Spivey (34 y/o of Armuchee), into custody. Subsequently, the discarded items were recovered and confirmed to be illegal narcotics.
Epps was arrested in Georgia on charges of Felony Fleeing, Trafficking Drugs, Drug Possession, Possession of Drug Related Objects, Failure to Maintain Lane, Speeding, Reckless Driving, Aggressive Driving, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, Driving Under the Influence, No Insurance, Expired Tag, Open Container, Failure to Register Vehicle, and License not on Person. Additionally, Epps has active warrants through the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for FTA-Unlawful Breaking and Entering of a Vehicle (Felony) x2, FTA-Theft of Property 2nd (Felony), and FTA-Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Spivey was arrested in Georgia for charges including Trafficking Drugs, Drug Possession, Possession of Drug Related Objects, Tampering with Evidence, Obstruction, Littering, and Open Container.
Epps will remain in custody in Georgia pending extradition related to the pursuit and outstanding warrants.
Sheriff Shaver extends his gratitude to the Georgia State Patrol for their assistance in apprehending the suspects.
