Chatham County Police Recapture Escaped Suspect After Chemical Spray Incident

Chatham County, GA – On Monday night, December 29, 2025, 39-year-old Robert Wayne Bookter escaped from police custody after spraying a chemical irritant at an officer during transport. On Tuesday, CCPD said that Bookter had been recaptured.

Earlier that evening, Bookter had been stopped by a Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) officer for operating a trailer without a tag or tail lights. Officers discovered that Bookter had multiple outstanding warrants from both the Liberty County and Chatham County Sheriff’s Offices, including charges of aggravated assault. He was taken into custody without incident.

Around 7:15 p.m., while being transported to the Chatham County Detention Center on Chatham Parkway near Police Memorial Drive, Bookter sprayed a chemical irritant inside the patrol vehicle. The officer, who was handcuffed behind his back, immediately experienced severe eye and respiratory irritation and was temporarily incapacitated. When the patrol car automatically unlocked its doors after being put in park, Bookter was able to exit the vehicle and flee the scene.

Authorities immediately launched a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, K-9 units, drones, and a helicopter. Bookter’s family members were contacted, and residences were searched in an effort to locate him.

Initial review of the escape revealed that Bookter had been allowed to wear a camouflage suit due to cold weather, and only the outer layer was searched by the officer. Additionally, the patrol car’s child-safety locks had not been activated, allowing the suspect to open the rear door from inside.

Bookter was later apprehended and is now facing additional charges, including obstruction and battery of a law enforcement officer related to the chemical spray incident. The officer involved was treated at a local hospital and released shortly after.

Law enforcement officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding Bookter’s escape to prevent similar incidents in the future.