Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Subject of manhunt denied bond on theft, obstruction charges By JOHN MUNFORD jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com The East Point man who led authorities on a manhunt after wrecking a stolen Bellsouth van on Tyrone Road was denied bond last week by Fayette County Magistrate Robert A. Ruppenthal. Timothy Dwayne Griggs, 30, is charged with theft by taking for the theft of the van and obstruction of a police officer for refusing to identify himself to a detective investigating the case, according to warrants filed for his arrest. Authorities said Griggs carjacked the van at gunpoint at an Atlanta gas station Monday, Oct. 28 and drove it to Fayette County. A tracking device on the vehicle alerted authorities of its location and a Tyrone police officer initially gave chase before the van got stuck in a wooded area, police said. The suspect fled on foot, leading to a manhunt involving the Fayette County Sheriff's Department's special enforcement SWAT team, K-9 team and helicopter unit. The Fayetteville Police Department's K-9 team also assisted in the search. A portion of Tyrone road was closed off while the search was conducted. Griggs was apprehended while he leaned against a tree, distracted by the helicopter, police said. The Bellsouth employee, who was left at the convenience store, was not seriously injured.   What do you think of this story? Click here to send a message to the editor. Back to the News Home Page| Back to the top of the page