FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Deputies Apprehend Armed Robbery Suspects From WhitfieldCounty After Pursuit
Friday, February 7, 2014
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:
At approximately 11:20 p.m. last night (February 6), the Sheriff’s Office received a broadcast via radio to be on the lookout for a pair of armed robbery suspects from WhitfieldCounty. Within one minute of receiving the broadcast, a deputy sheriff on patrol found the suspect automobile, a van, travelling south on Interstate 75 near Resaca. When the deputy attempted to stop the van near milepost 317, the vehicle sped away, fleeing south to Calhoun on Highway 225 to US 41. Calhoun City Police officers deployed “stop sticks” near the intersection of US 41 and Line Street and deflated the suspects tires. The van continued on for almost 1 mile before coming to a stop. Deputy sheriffs and policemen then arrested the automobiles occupants, PATRICK RYAN EDWARDS age 35, who gave his address as Knoxville, Tennessee, and BRIAN E. LEHTIMAKI, age 35, who gave his address as Garden City, Michigan. The suspects did not resist arrest, and were taken lodged in the county jail by the deputies. They face charges of obstructing officers and traffic related offenses in GordonCounty, and the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office has placed ‘holds’ on the duo as they continue their investigation. Deputies located what is believed to be part of the proceeds of the robbery in the van.