A routine traffic stop in Peachtree City escalated into a full-fledged manhunt when a suspect fled the scene, leading to the deployment of K-9 units, a drone, and ultimately, the apprehension of two individuals facing felony charges. The incident took place on New Year's Day following a patrol officer's notice of a car with a brake light out and a used dealership tag, which triggered a stop on Highway 74 and Kedron Drive.
After the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, both occupants, identified as Tyrese Jehvon Bullard, 25, of Jonesboro, and Sharice Michelle Ingram, 25, of Atlanta, were asked to exit the car. When the officer prepared to search their belongings, "The female becomes very uncooperative about some of the contents of her personal effects," Lt. Chris Hyatt disclosed in a statement obtained by The Citizen. A firearm, later identified as stolen, prompted Bullard to flee, with Ingram detained and her child taken into care by a relative.
The Peachtree City Police Department launched an extensive search that included the assistance of social media in soliciting public tips. While some leads sent officers in erroneous directions, their equipped drone, featuring forward-looking infrared technology, played a pivotal role by detecting the suspect's heat signature in a resident's backyard. After being startled by the drone, Bullard was chased by officers through the Santolina Park subdivision. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the pursuit ended without incident or use of force as Bullard surrendered upon encountering the law enforcement line.
Both Bullard and Ingram now face charges including theft by receiving stolen property for the firearm, with Ingram also facing a misdemeanor obstruction charge. The stolen gun was confirmed through the Georgia Crime Information Center, adding to the gravity of Bullard's charges. Although initially fleeing officers, Bullard couldn't outmaneuver the technological edge and coordinated effort of the Peachtree City Police, who bested the cold, dark night with their resources. Lt. Hyatt credited the successful operation to the department's ability to mobilize the night shift extra early and retain day shift officers, as narrated in an interview by The Citizen.
Despite the presence of marijuana odor noted at the traffic stop, no drug charges have been mentioned as of yet. Clothes belonging to Bullard, including his pants, were reportedly found in the woods, suggesting he may have discarded the drugs there. The two suspects were booked into the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Jail following the incident.
