Deputy Sheriff Sheldon Gordon Whiteman, of Long County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia, was killed in a crash while involved in a vehicle pursuit at approximately 3:00am, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020.
Georgia State Police said the pursuit began in Ludowici when a Ludowici officer spotted a motorist running stop signs in the city. The officer began to pursue the driver [south eastwards] on Highway 57 in the direction of McIntosh County.
Deputy Whiteman had just joined the pursuit when his vehicle left the roadway and struck several trees near Tibet Road S.E.
He was taken to the Liberty Regional Medical Center, Hinesville, where tragically he passed away.
“It’s just unfortunate that this happens when people fail to stop for law enforcement and anytime anyone loses their life in the law enforcement field, it’s a tragedy and it’s just a bad thing for the county of Long County today,” said Capt. Thornell King, Troop Commander of Georgia State Patrol.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement on Whiteman’s death:
“The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office was saddened to hear that one of our former employees passed this morning while performing his duties as a law enforcement officer for the Long County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Sheriff Sheldon Whiteman worked for our Office approximately 4 years, leaving in September, 2019. He is fondly remembered by this Office as a friendly, hard-working, and all around good person. Our prayers are with his family.”
Deputy Whiteman had served with the Long County Sheriff’s Office for four months and had previously served with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for four years.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
SOURCES:
- ODMP
- WTOC
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