Published Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Police still hunting for runaway probation violator

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

Newnan Police officials are continuing their search for a wanted man who fought with and fled from authorities Friday on Jackson Street.

"The incident is actively being investigated," said Lt. Tate Washington on Tuesday. The department is following up on leads regarding the suspect's whereabouts.

Todd Jones, 37, is wanted on a probation violation warrant from Spalding County. Jones was on probation for child cruelty, according to authorities.

On Friday afternoon, Jones was reportedly traveling along Jackson Street near Elm Street, on a bicycle, carrying two car ramps. A police officer saw Jones and became suspicious and decided to stop and speak to him. When the officer ran Jones' license, he discovered Jones was wanted for the probation violation.

Jones resisted arrest and he and the officer struggled in the roadway, as traffic continued up and down Jackson Street. The officer chased Jones on foot behind homes. Several other officers and a search dog unit from the Coweta County Sheriff's Office assisted in the search. Newnan police spent about an hour searching in the area unsuccessfully before the search was scaled back, according to authorities.

The officer sustained minor scratches and road rash as a result of his struggle with Jones.

During the search, Elm Street Elementary School was briefly locked down Friday.

Anyone with information about Jones' whereabouts is urged to contact police at 770-254-2355.