Turner Deputy Shot, Fla. Woman Killed After Chase

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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GBI photos

The scene Friday morning near Exit 109 on Interstate 75 after a multi-county pursuit ended with a shootout involving Turner County deputies and the female driver, who died in the shootout. A Turner deputy was also shot but is expected to recover.

FLA. WOMAN KILLED, TURNER DEPUTY SHOT AFTER I-75 CHASE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

A Turner County Sheriff's deputy was shot and a Florida woman was killed during a shootout after a multi-county chase early Friday that reached speeds more than 100 mph along Interstate 75, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

On Tuesday, the GBI identified the female driver as Paige M. Newsum, 57, of Bradenton, Fla. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Turner County Deputy Baily Johnson was shot in the shoulder and base of the neck, and is expected to make a full recovery, according to Turner County Sheriff Andy Hester.

The GBI said preliminary information indicates that at about 2 a.m. Friday, the Turner County Sheriff’s Office began assisting with a car chase that originated in Cook County, where the Cook County Sheriff’s Office had attempted to stop a Cadillac sedan for speeding over 100 mph on Interstate 75.

Three Turner County deputies joined the pursuit continuing northbound into Crisp County and proceeded to Dooly County, said Sheriff Hester.

"At around the 108 mile marker, a Turner County deputy initiated a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver, causing the suspect's vehicle to come to rest against the guardrail. While attempting to remove the suspect from the vehicle, she pulled a firearm, began firing, and struck a deputy. All three Turner County deputies returned fire," Hester said in a press release.

Deputies with the sheriff’s offices in Crisp and Dooly counties, and officers with the Sycamore Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

GBI agents are investigating the officer-involved shooting at the request of the Turner County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is active and ongoing, the GBI said.

TIFTON POLICE NAB MAN ON FIREARMS, DRUG CHARGES; RESPOND TO GUNFIRE

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Tifton Police had a busy weekend responding to several shots fired and apprehending a suspect on firearms and drug charges.

At approximately 9:56 p.m. Friday, Tifton Police responded to reports of shots fired in the vicinity of Martin Drive and Sussex Drive.

"A residence was struck by gunfire; however, no injuries were reported at the scene. A stray bullet from this incident damaged a window at the Tift Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, but fortunately, no injuries occurred at the hospital," said Police Chief Steve Hyman.

On social media, Southwell healthcare system said that "an outside window at the Tift Regional Medical Center ER was struck by a ricochet bullet on the night of Friday, April 4. This created a spider web crack to the window. No patients, visitors, or staff were harmed. The ER was placed on a brief lockdown as a security measure until the all clear was given by the Tifton Police. The police are investigating this matter."

Minutes later, Tifton Police responded to another report of shots fired; a residence at 313 Old Omega Road was also hit by gunfire with no injuries reported, police said.

Then, at approximately 11:03 p.m. Saturday, Tifton Police investigators located a silver Toyota Corolla believed to be connected to the earlier shootings. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, resulting in both a vehicle and foot pursuit.

The suspect was apprehended and found to be in possession of an AR-style rifle and two handguns, one of which was confirmed to be stolen out of Jacksonville, Fla., Chief Hyman said.

Additionally, officers recovered a significant quantity of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia: Digital scales, plastic baggies, and cash, all indicative of illegal drug activity. Multiple pairs of gloves and masks were also found in the vehicle.

Frankie James McDaniel, 18, of Tifton, was arrested and charged with fleeing/attempting to elude police more than 30 mph over the speed limit, reckless driving, theft by receiving stolen property of $500 value or more, possession of firearms during a crime, obstructing law enforcement officers, possession and use of drug-related objects, and possession/manufacturing of drugs – marijuana – with intent to distribute.

"While responding to assist with the pursuit of the armed suspect, a Tifton Police officer was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Timmons Drive and Highway 82," the police chief said. "The officer failed to navigate a curve and left the roadway, striking three unoccupied vehicles in the Enterprise Rent-A-Car parking lot. No injuries were reported, and the Georgia State Patrol is handling the investigation into the crash."

FEMA HOSTS HOUSING RESOURCE FAIR FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is hosting a Housing Resource Fair from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, April 12, in Berrien County for those still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

The Housing Resource Fair will be at the Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library, 315 W. Marion Ave., in Nashville. The event will bring together federal, state, and local agencies to offer services and resources to recovering families.

The goal is to help connect eligible disaster survivors with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery. Survivors will meet with local housing organizations, property owners, and landlords, as well as get information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program, and U.S. Small Business Administration loans.

"We want survivors to know we are here for them and want to see the best outcome, which is moving into safe, sanitary and functioning housing,” said Kevin Wallace, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We will walk them through their options to ensure they are aware of the resources that are available to fit their need.”

Everyone affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, whether or not they have applied for FEMA assistance, may attend, officials said.

Angie Saturday, Tifton Exchange Club CAP Hero chair, at left, poses with CAP Hero Award recipient Nickie Tucker, and Sharon Daniels, the interim director of Tift County DFACS.

TIFTON EXCHANGE CLUB NAMES CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION HERO

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Exchange Club of Tifton has presented its annual Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Hero Award to Nickie Tucker, the Tift-Turner permanency supervisor for the state Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).

Tucker has been working in the department for 12 years, coming to Tifton in September 2023. She supervises three case workers managing more than 100 children. In her role, she ensures that all steps, paperwork, files, and more are in order and taken care of before court.

Sharon Daniels, interim director of Tift County DFACS, said that Tucker handles all of her responsibilities with grace. “She makes good decisions and gives good directions,” Daniels said.

The Exchange Club of Tifton said it presents the award annually because those individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes for children have a hard, often thankless job and deserve to be recognized.

'DAY IN WOODS' EVENT

THIS SATURDAY IN ALAPAHA

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Once again, Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha is organizing the community event "Day in the Woods" this Saturday, April 12.

The seventh annual Day in the Woods is a free community event that invites people of all ages to explore interactive activities and demonstrations. The focus is on wildlife, forestry, and creating traditional arts and crafts using natural resources. It's an opportunity to learn, connect with nature, and enjoy a day outdoors with family and friends.

There are hands-on activities throughout the day. No vending is allowed, but visitors may bring their own snacks if desired.

Activities start at 1 p.m. featuring about 45 stations with local people sharing their love and knowledge of nature, the outdoors, and historical traditions and crafts. All activities will be ongoing, so guests may come and go as they please.

Forestry activities will include a prescribed fire demonstration with drone ignition, firefighting equipment, fire behavior, tree measurement, carnivorous plants, forest products, native and invasive plants, photosynthesis, an edible soil profile, and a riverkeeper.

Wildlife activities include skins and skulls, invasive animals, turkey calls, trapping, aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, quail habitat, monarch butterflies, insects, gopher frogs, fish hatcheries, venison samples, and a nature walk.

Crafts using natural products include fruit preserving with native plants, primitive archery, woodturning, dyeing, bark baskets, papermaking, and astonomy. Historical traditions will be demonstrated in pioneer quilting, turpentine display, and a video of Berrien County history.

Several activities are designed specifically for children, including making a turkey pine-cone, BB range, archery, twig pencils, saw palmetto fans, and book readings related to fire and blueberries.

Activities and demonstrations are provided by a variety of presenters including local individuals, private groups, college students, natural resource organizations, and professional biologists. There are several ready-to-go kits for adults willing to share an activity. The list of activities changes every day as more people volunteer or decide on their activity.

If you are interested in leading an activity, helping as volunteer, or sharing information about the event, contact Heather Brasell at 229-339-3966 or heather.brasell@gmail.com.

Supporters of this community event include the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Coastal Plain Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society.

Gaskins Forest Education Center is located at 3359 Moore Sawmill Road in Alapaha.

TIFTON TREE BOARD OBSERVES ARBOR DAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Members of the Tifton Tree Board recently celebrated Arbor Day by planting a willow oak tree in Fulwood Park.

The Tifton Tree Board has planted more than 75 trees throughout the Downtown Tifton community since the beginning of this year.

The Tree Board was created to investigate and advise the city regarding the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, and disposition of trees and shrubs located within public areas in the city.

Any city resident interested in serving on the board or any city board may contact the city clerk in City Hall.

'BLACK HAWK DOWN' SURVIVOR IN DOWNTOWN TIFTON ON SATURDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

A survivor of the deadly Black Hawk helicopter crash during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, depicted in the film "Black Hawk Down," will be in Downtown Tifton on Saturday for a meet-and-greet and fundraiser for the service dog program.

David Eastabrooks and his service dog will be at Savor the Flavor on Main Street from 3-7 p.m. Saturday. Eastabrooks, who lives in Valdosta, is a former platoon sergeant at the 75th Ranger Regiment.

“Our veterans and their service dogs really need our recognition and support,” said Connie Stover of Savor the Flavor.

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CATS OF THE WEEK

A kitten caboodle – or a caboodle of kittens – are seeking a home. These cute kitties are approximately seven weeks old and are currently at the animal shelter. Visit them and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

NO SPITTING IN TIFTON

~ APRIL 8, 1910

Tifton City Council on April 8, 1910, adopted a "sanitary ordinance" outlawing spitting on sidewalks in the city. Councilmen suggested that residents "get a trash can."