LOWNDES COUNTY – Georgia State Patrol troopers are searching for a Naylor man who fled from authorities during a traffic stop Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 5 p.m., a GSP trooper pulled over a white Nissan Altima on Old Valdosta Road near the intersection of GA Highway 122 just west of the city limits of Hahira, said GSP Cpl. Chris Kelch.
“During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the driver, identified as John Wesley Walton, 35-years-old of Naylor, GA gave the investigating trooper a false name and date of birth in order to conceal his identity,” Kelch said.
The trooper attempted to place Walton under arrest, but he fled on foot northbound on Old Valdosta Road. The trooper was able to catch Walton during the foot pursuit, but after a brief struggle, Walton was able to flee again on foot into nearby woods, Kelch said.
“The trooper continued pursuit and visual sight of Mr. Walton as he approached a nearby residence,” Kelch said. “Walton then gained access of a white 2012 Ford F150 at the residence. Mr. Walton stole the vehicle and fled northbound on Old Valdosta Road. A BOLO (Be on the Lookout) was issued to surrounding agencies for Mr. Walton and the vehicle.”
The truck had Georgia tag number PFS3336.
A search of the Altima discovered approximately one gram of methamphetamine, a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine, a 45 ACP handgun, handcuffs and pepper spray, according to GSP reports.
Walton is a convicted felon and considered armed and dangerous, Kelch said.
“Mr. Walton uses his middle name as Wesley and is described as being approximately 6’0” tall, 200-215 pounds, shaved haircut, brown hair and blue eyes,” Kelch said.
Neither Walton nor the F150 had been located by Sunday afternoon.
Walton faces charges of Felony Theft by Taking Motor Vehicle, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of Tools Used in the Commission of a Crime, Misdemeanor Obstruction of Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor Giving False Name and Date of Birth to Law Enforcement and several traffic related Misdemeanors, according to GSP reports.
“If anyone has any information on Mr. Walton’s whereabouts or sees Mr. Walton or the F150, do not approach Mr. Walton as he is armed and dangerous, contact your local law enforcement or Georgia State Patrol at 229-386-3333,” Kelch said.
