Two-vehicle chase leads to crashed patrol car, multiple arrests

On Dec. 31, a suspicious vehicle was spotted in a neighborhood in the county. Coffee County deputies and the Coffee County Drug Unit responded to the area to conduct an investigation. It was determined that two vehicles were involved instead of one. One of the vehicles was known to drug detectives as a vehicle of interest in a separate case. Traffic stops were conducted on both vehicle a short time later after said vehicles left the neighborhood. One of the vehicles failed to yield to deputies and a chase ensued. The driver eventually rammed a deputy’s vehicle and was apprehended. The driver was identified as Tony Fogarty, 52, of Douglas. Fogarty was wanted on several outstanding warrants.

The driver of the other vehicle was identified as Edward “Ant” Stasiulaitis, 33, of Newnan, who was found to be in possession of marijuana and possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Statsiulaitis was determined to be a convicted felon and was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Fogarty was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude an officer, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, and many traffic related offenses.

On Dec. 19, a Coffee County K9 deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic infraction. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a handgun, along with suspected marijuana, and methamphetamine were located near the passenger. The passenger who was identified as Jamie Lassiter, 27, of Alma was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related objects, and possession of a firearm during a crime.