VALDOSTA — After refusing to surrender to Brooks County Sheriff’s Office, a Moultrie man was arrested Wednesday when the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team intervened. 

According to BCSO Chief Deputy Joe Wheeler, a vehicle was reported stolen Tuesday night, and while a person drove off, the owner shot at the vehicle, breaking the rear window.

At approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, a family reported a suspicious vehicle parked in the woods near their residence on Ryall Road in Brooks County. Deputies arrived on the scene to find a suspect in the vehicle, which matched the stolen car, Wheeler said.

The suspect attempted to flee but became stuck in the woods. He then refused to surrender to the deputies on the scene.

Wheeler said they decided to call for back up from LCSO SWAT. The suspect continued to refuse to surrender.

“He said he wasn’t going to go back to prison and wanted to go out in a blaze of glory,” Wheeler said. “(SWAT) shot a couple of tear-gas canisters into the car and dragged him out.”

The suspect was then taken to South Georgia Medical Center for minor injuries. He will be held at the hospital for 24 hours. Wheeler said the suspect won’t be charged with anything officially until he is released from the hospital.

“There’s still a lot we don’t know yet,” Wheeler said. “It’s just a wonder that no one was hurt.”

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256