Suspect Arrested After Chase

The following press release has been issued by Towns County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A short chase Saturday morning ended with the suspect being located by a K-9 Bloodhound.  A Towns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy on Saturday morning attempted to stop a Black 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac on Highway 288.  The vehicle failed to stop for the deputy and fled on Highway 288 and turned onto Twin Mountain Road. 

At the end of Twin Mountain Road the suspect exited the vehicle and ran into nearby woods.  A perimeter was set up by Sheriff’s deputies in the Highway 288 area.  Tracking dogs responded to the scene to assist with searching for the suspect.  Union County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Bloodhound “Lacey” located the suspect a short distance from the vehicle.

The suspect arrested was Albert Lee Shelton, age 54, of Hiawassee.  Albert Shelton was charged with:

1 Count of Driving on Suspended License
1 Count of Obstruction of an Officer
1 Count of Driving with No Insurance
1 Count of Fleeing and attempting to Elude
1 Count of Suspended vehicle Registration       

​Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton would like to thank the Union County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for their assistance in the search for the suspect. This incident is still under investigation and additional charges are possible.