Alleged Auto Thief Tasered in Tennessee

Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson releases the following information:

On 12/4/2011, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Deputies and Ellijay Police Dept. Officers attempted twice to stop the driver of a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe. At the time, deputies were assisting Ellijay officers in processing another stolen vehicle. The white Tahoe came to the area near the scene and then fled from the area when the driver saw law enforcement officers there. A short pursuit by an Ellijay officer out Highway 52 West ensued but was terminated. An investigation after the pursuit revealed that the driver of the Tahoe was attempting to meet up with the subjects who had been arrested in association with the stolen vehicle being processed. Tag information revealed that the Tahoe had been reported stolen and recovered just two days prior. It was later learned the vehicle had been stolen again. Approximately one hour later, Gilmer County deputies observed the Tahoe and, along with an Ellijay officer, another attempt was made to stop the Tahoe. Again, the driver refused to stop. Deputies kept up the pursuit leaving Gilmer County and entering Murray County where Murray County units picked up the pursuit. Murray County officers chased the Tahoe into Benton, TN, where the driver almost struck a Polk County Deputy. Spike strips were deployed ending the pursuit a short distance later. The driver of the Tahoe, JORDAN LEE GRIZZLE, age 21, of an Ellijay address, was arrested but only after forcing officers to use a TASER® twice to subdue him. Grizzle was taken into custody in Polk County where he has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Evading Arrest, Reckless Endangerment, and Resisting Stop/Arrest. Mr. Grizzle will also be facing numerous and similar charges in Murray and Gilmer Counties. Investigation is ongoing and more charges may follow regarding to other thefts.