An Augusta man was arrested Friday in Burke County after police said he led them on a three-county chase and nearly hit two officers with his truck.
Police said they began chasing Gary Kitchens, 45, at Wal-Mart on Knox Avenue in North Augusta after he stole a CD player, according to Lt. Robert Bell of North Augusta Public Safety.
When Wal-Mart security tried to detain Mr. Kitchens, he got into a Ford Ranger and drove across the street to Lowe's, where he almost ran over an officer, according to police.
The chase continued onto East Martintown Road to U.S. Highway 1 into Georgia.
Richmond County deputies joined the chase at Super Inn at 1602 Gordon Highway.
When Mr. Kitchens saw the police, he sped up, nearly striking a Richmond County deputy, police say.
Authorities followed him to Girard, Ga., according to Richmond County sheriff's Lt. Scott Gay.
Sardis, Ga., police disabled his vehicle, which crashed in a field.
Mr. Kitchens will be charged with reckless driving, driving under suspension, assault and battery with intent to kill a police officer, shoplifting and failure to stop for siren in North Augusta, Lt. Bell said.
He is also expected to face charges of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle in Richmond County.
Staff Writer Crystal Garcia contributed to this report.
Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@augustachronicle.com.
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...all over a freakin' CD player.
All this over a stupid CD Player. The funny thing is that CDs are becoming outdated and by the time this idiot gets out of prison Cds will be a part of history along with the cassette tape and record players. Maybe you can take your stolen CD player to jail with you and get your moneys worth out of it. Oh thats right you did not pay for it and now a $20 piece of crap will haunt you forever. I need to send you some audio sermons to listen to while you are in jail. You need to repent and allow God to change you. Romans 5:8
Why didn't the police just get his license plate number and meet him at his residence. And stupid butt Mr. Kitchens, now you have to really face the music. You big dummy, you are 45 years old, grow up! That was an unnecessary chase.
What a freakin idiot, for a cd player. Wonder why they didn't shoot him since he almost hit 2 deputies.
Hats off the the Sardis Police Officer that was a good enough shooter that he could shoot the tires out on the vihicle and not hurt anyone and put a stop to the chase.
If a county deputy was nearly struck I thought they would shoot to kill?
Wow Sardis Police Department helped with the chase??? Correct me if I am wrong but isnt there only 1 police officer with Sardis Police Department... LOL. I bet thats the most action they have ever seen out therel. Good Work R.C.S.O, B.C.S.O. and of course.. the 1 man Sardis Police Department.
I witnessed that chase in north augusta right in front of monterreys. He was swearing through lanes, driving through the medians, and pushing cars out of the way. It was a scary sight to witness.
And thank God no one was hurt!!!
Maybe I missed it. Where does the article indicate that Sardis shot the tires out. They disabled the vehicle. That does not necessarily mean that there were gunshots.
I don't understand why all these law enforcement departments would waste the manpower and resources and risk the public safety over a CD player.
I recall a man loosing his life a few years ago due to a multi-state chase originating in NA over a few dollars worth of gasoline.
Is it policy to use all necessary force to stop a shoplifter or a petty thief?