THOMASVILLE — Lawmen and the district attorney’s office are joining forces to come down hard on people who endanger the public by fleeing at high rates of speed.

“It will not be tolerated,” said Louis Schofill, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division chief. “We are working with the district attorney’s office to ensure those who flee and endanger the public will receive the full weight of the law.”

Schofill said a high-speed chase through the city this week brought to the forefront a need to make every attempt to stop people running from the law at the risk of others.

According to authorities, a Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol about 2 a.m. Wednesday on Pinetree Boulevard near Hollywood Drive when he encountered a vehicle traveling 55 in a 35 mph zone.

The car pulled onto church property. As the deputy approached, the driver fled.

“They ended up getting in a pursuit,” Schofill said.

A drug agent interjected, “The suspect was driving in excess of 100 mph, blowing through traffic lights and signs.”

The car, still on Pinetree, crossed Remington and Smith avenues and East Jackson Street. Other deputies surrounded the area and found the vehicle on Robin Drive.

“The suspect vehicle ended up losing control and wrecking,” the agent said.

The driver, Bradford Hill, 1613 Orange St., bailed out, ran and was quickly apprehended.

Officers found 50 grams of marijuana in the car.

“He had 10 active warrants on him,” the agent said.

Warrants were for probation violation on a felony conviction, cruelty to children and seven counts of battery (family violence).

Hill, 29, is charged in the Wednesday incident with fleeing, eluding, marijuana possession with intent to distribute and obstruction of an officer.

Bond was denied. Hill remains behind bars at the Thomas County Jail.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820