SPRINGFIELD -- Just before 6 a.m. Wednesday, Effingham County Sheriff’s Deputy Karyn Witherington was on routine patrol near the Foxbow neighborhood on Hwy 80 when she encountered a red Nissan truck with tags that belonged to a different vehicle.
Witherington attempted to initiate a traffic stop and the vehicle fled. She chased the vehicle down Old River Road and back toward the Ogeechee River, reaching speeds of more than 100 mpoh.
The truck went full speed into the river and the driver escaped through the window.
The Department of Natural Resources responded to assist as well as the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham Police, Chatham County Marine Patrol and the Georgia State patrol.
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office ECSO is seeking to speak with Coleman Mark Hagan and Thomas Schmidt regarding this incident. They are urged to call the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 912-754-3449.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is also asked to call 912-754-3449 or Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020.