Man Arrested After Pursuit in Jones County; Rifle and Contraband Found

On Friday evening, March 14, Jones County deputies conducted road safety checkpoints at multiple locations across the county, resulting in 30 citations for traffic violations and eight arrests, including four for drug offenses and three for probation warrants.

During the checkpoint, a driver in a white Jeep Compass attempted to flee after deputies instructed him to pull over due to a lack of valid insurance. The driver sped away, prompting a pursuit by Deputy Reno, Deputy Ribeiro, and Lieutenant Carr.

During the chase along Highway 49 toward Baldwin County, Deputy Reno observed an object being thrown from the vehicle that caused sparks upon hitting the roadway. Deputies later boxed in the Jeep to end the pursuit, but the driver continued trying to escape despite being surrounded by three patrol vehicles.

The driver, identified as Jaxavier Hicks, 25, of Warner Robins, was taken into custody. Deputies discovered a four-year-old child inside the vehicle, who was unharmed. A search of the Jeep revealed packages wrapped in duct tape, containing tobacco and cell phones, which are common in contraband drops for state prisons.

Deputies also recovered an AR-style rifle from the roadside where Deputy Reno had seen sparks.

Hicks was charged with Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Cruelty to Children, Reckless Conduct, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, No Insurance, and other traffic offenses. He remains in custody at the Jones County Jail. The child was released to her mother.