SHERIFF LADSON O’CONNOR. MONTGOMERY COUNTY GEORGIA
In South Georgia Montgomery County Sheriff Ladson O’Connor was killed early Tuesday when he wrecked his vehicle while pursuing an armed suspect. The suspect later surrendered after exchanging gunfire with authorities. GBI spokeswoman Sherry Lang said the incident began around midnight in Toombs County, about three hours southeast of Atlanta. Deputies there were assisting a motorist when the driver of another vehicle — believed to be 35-year-old Jim Edward Lowery — “attempted to leave the area” after spotting the officers according to the GBI.
The deputies’ then attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Lowery fled, and Sheriff O’Connor joined in the chase when it continued on Ga. 56 into nearby Montgomery County.
“During the pursuit, Sheriff O’Connor lost control of his vehicle, wrecked. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What may have led O’Connor to lose control was unclear.
Investigators indicated either Lowery or a 36-year-old passenger in his vehicle identified as Nicole Dixie Best fired shots at officers during the chase.
The Montgomery County Coroner had the body of Sheriff O’Connor transported to the State Crime Lab for a determination as to the exact cause of death.
The chase came ended near the town of Uvalda, where state troopers had placed “stop sticks” on the road. Lowery crashed his vehicle and managed to escape but was apprehended about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Georgia State Patrol SWAT team members located Lowery in McNatt Falls, a town in Montgomery County. Lowery surrendered after an exchange of gunfire.
The GBI stated that Lowery had sustained an injury to his leg but it is unknown at this time if the injury is a result of the shooting or if it occurred while he was on the run from law enforcement.
Lowery was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and one count of fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer. The passenger in his vehicle, was also detained and “is being held in the Montgomery County jail as warrants are being obtained for her arrest said the GBI..
It was unclear at this time what charges Dixie Best will face.
The GBI is investigating both the chase and the officer-involved shooting that occurred during Lowery’s apprehension.
Sheriff O’Connor, age 42, had served as the Sheriff of Montgomery County since January 2013. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
Bill Taylor WKEU owner and General manager said, in the late 1960′s and 70′s, I was a Deputy Sheriff in Butts County, before I went back into the US Army. Any time we loose a law enforcement officer and to include a Sheriff that is elected by his citizens to lead his county is a loss for all Georgians. The entire WKEU family sends our prayers to Sheriff O’Connor’s family and children. It is Law Enforcement Officers, and Service members of the US Armed Services that have given their all to protect and defend, their legacy becomes the beacon of our Great Nation. Sheriff O’Connor is a National Treasure like so many that have gone before him for their fellowman. We all owe these great Americans more than we can ever repay.