Men fire at police, escape after chase

Police were seeking two men who fired shots at officers during a chase early Sunday through Burke and Richmond counties, according to authorities.

About 1 a.m., the Waynesboro Police Department and the Burke County Sheriff's Office warned Richmond County authorities to be on the lookout for two men in a black Nissan pickup, said Richmond County sheriff's Investigator Glen Rahn.

Richmond County sheriff's deputies took over the pursuit on Georgia Highway 56 after the truck crossed the county line.

Investigator Rahn said shots were fired from the pickup's passenger-side window, striking patrol cars from all three agencies.

No injuries were reported, he said.

Investigator Rahn said Richmond County sheriff's deputies returned fire.

Police began pursuing the men after an armed robbery at a Waynesboro Waffle House, authorities said.

The pursuit ended after the men pulled onto a dirt road off Brown Road, abandoned the pickup and ran.

"These men are looking at several felonies," Investigator Rahn said. "Not only did they put officers in jeopardy, they clearly had no regard for the public at large -- specifically those who were driving along the road," he said.

The men were described as white and in their early 20s, Investigator Rahn said.

Anyone with information that could lead to arrests can call the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at (706) 821-1080.

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.