STAFF REPORT :::
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office on Friday night apprehended a murder suspect being sought in connection to a 2016 homicide.
According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, personnel of the Special Operations Unit and Warrant Division were on patrol in the area of 615 Northside Drive at approximately 8 p.m. when the suspect was first observed.
Authorities say SCSO personnel were preparing to approach the suspect when he abruptly entered a vehicle and drove away at a high rate of speed.
As the vehicle pulled away, the driver allegedly ignored deputies commands to stop and nearly struck the vehicle in which the deputies had initially approached.
When agents in a marked unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver allegedly began to flee. Due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic, as per policy, the pursuit was terminated.
Agents and deputies remained in the area and a short time later, they located the vehicle abandoned in the rear of the Spalding Heights Apartment complex.
“The agents and deputies on scene immediately began conducting a neighborhood canvass by speaking to residents in an attempt to locate the driver. Several citizens who live in the complex stated that they witnessed the suspect abandon his vehicle and flee,” Dix said. “Based on information witnesses provided, deputies located the driver hiding in the bathroom of 615 Northside Drive Apartment F-5 and he surrendered without further incident.”
Officials say when questioned, the suspect initially refused to reveal his name to deputies, but eventually identified himself as Jawaski Cross of Conley, Ga.
After a brief investigation, it was learned that Cross is wanted in Dublin, Ga., being sought for murder and aggravated assault. Dublin officials said Cross had been on the run from authorities there since July 2016.
Cross is currently being held at the Spalding County Jail awaiting his return to Dublin.
“The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office would like the thank all of the citizens who assisted them in locating the suspect. Without the help of the residents of Spalding Heights who stepped up to assist in locating Jawaski Cross, a suspected murderer would still be on the run in our community. It’s that type of cooperation, trust, and working side by side that will help us curtail crime across the county. Thank you to those who helped get this guy off the streets,” Dix said.
