Franklin Co., GA - Handcuffed Church Thief Suspect Steals Franklin Co. Deputy's Car - Chase - 4 Police Cars Smashed Up
The News Leader
June 8, 2010
Crime doesn't pay, especially not crime committed in the house of the Lord.
Kevin Michael Shaffer, 39, of Anderson, S.C. learned the hard way that Franklin
County residents don't take kindly to someone stealing in a church. Shaffer is
accused of entering Broad River Baptist Church on South Fairview Road and
stealing several items from a woman's purse on May 29.
A witness from the theft recognized Shaffer's vehicle when he pulled into a
convenience store as the one she had seen leaving the church. She called 911 and
Lavonia Police officers and Franklin County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched
to the store.
Upon arrival, officers arrested Shaffer for theft by taking, handcuffed his
hands behind his back and placed him in a sheriff deputy's patrol car. While
searching Shaffer's vehicle, officers found the items reported stolen from the
incident. Officers were continuing their search when they saw Shaffer enter the
driver's door of the patrol car and take off.
Shaffer led officers from Franklin County, Lavonia, Hart County, Hartwell and
Georgia State Patrol on a chase out of Lavonia into Hart County and back up
Highway 77 in Lavonia to Highway 59. On Highway 59, Shaffer struck four law
enforcement vehicles before he was forced off of the roadway by Franklin County
Sheriff's deputies.
After the chase, officers and Shaffer were treated by Franklin County EMS for
injuries. Shaffer, though, refused treatment. He was carried to Ty Cobb Memorial
Hospital to be medically cleared before he was transported to the Franklin
County Detention Center.
“We are very lucky that others were not hurt due to the recklessness of the
offender,” said Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas. “We appreciate the
assistance from all the agencies in this matter.”
As of press time, Shaffer, who also has warrants in other counties, is being
held without bond for four counts of aggravated assault by motor vehicle, theft
by taking motor vehicle and other traffic charges.