A routine visit to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office headquarters took a violent turn Tuesday when Bobby Burnett, seeking a background check, fled the scene, and dragged a lieutenant with his vehicle.
The incident unfolded shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday at the headquarters building located on County Camp Road in Appling. According to Maj. Steve Morris with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Burnett entered the headquarters building with the intention of requesting a background check. However, during the process, it was discovered that Burnett had an active probation violation warrant against him.
Upon learning of the warrant, Burnett abruptly left the building and headed towards his vehicle. Two officers attempted to intervene, but Burnett ignored their commands and drove away, dragging Lt. Brandon Thacker along County Camp Road for about 100 yards before Thacker managed to break free from the vehicle.
Because of a broken window on the suspect’s car, Lt. Thacker sliced his arm and lost a lot of blood, Maj. Morris said. Quick action by dispatchers in the Real Time Crime Center ensured that deputies were promptly alerted about the incident, providing them with crucial details such as the vehicle description and direction of travel.
A deputy spotted Burnett’s vehicle on Columbia Road at South Old Belair Road, initiating a brief pursuit. The pursuit concluded when Georgia State Patrol (GSP) officers assisted by executing a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver, bringing Burnett’s vehicle to a stop on Warren Road in Richmond County.
Burnett now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault involving a law enforcement officer, obstruction and fleeing police.
Emergency medical responders, including Ambulance and Fire Rescue units, provided immediate medical attention at the scene. Lt. Thacker was subsequently transported to AU Medical Center, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident.
