Erratic driving caught the eye of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Department and caused them to follow a white ladder truck last Thursday evening which ultimately ended in a pursuit and arrest of a suspect who’s now been levied with multiple charges.
Robert Walter Gaffney found himself in a world of trouble when he narrowly missed a collision after failing to stop at a stop sign at Fairview Road and Highway 515. Deputy J. Alstine observed his high rate of speed when he realized the truck did not have time to stop. Alstine made the decision to observe the vehicle after it cleared the southbound traffic lane, crossed the median and accelerated into northbound traffic.

To insure his experience was documented, the deputy turned the unit’s camera on and continued following the swerving truck. The driver continued to drive unpredictably so Alstine attempted to initiate a traffic stop as the vehicle turned left onto Highway 53 then into the Kroger/Home Depot parking lot off Camp Road Extension.

It appears at that time the driver decided not to yield to the deputy, speeding back towards Highway 515. After turning southbound then following his previous route of travel, he ran the red light at the intersection of Highway 53 and Camp Road this time continuing westbound on 53.

After two additional deputies joined the chase, the decision was made to attempt to box the suspect in to slow him to a stop. As the group passed Hill City Road, they made the effort which appeared to be working as the vehicle slowed. After a failed attempt to sideswipe Alstine’s vehicle, the suspect stopped. But the incident didn’t end there.

The driver threw his vehicle into reverse and struck the patrol unit behind him, then began to drive forward again. At this time, with weapons drawn, deputies were able to open the truck door and remove the suspect from the vehicle.

As he was put to the ground the male began scuffling with the deputies, who noticed the odor of alcohol coming off the driver. After a lengthy struggle and being tased he was finally handcuffed. However, the suspect was injured due to his jerky movements while fighting deputies who were unable to employ approved restraint techniques accurately. An ambulance made the scene and verified the suspect’s injuries weren’t emergency in nature and released him to the deputies for transport to the hospital. It was determined he had a broken nose and cleared for transport to the jail.

A half-empty bottle of Evan Williams was discovered in the truck.

Gaffney, 37, of Jasper has been charged with fleeing/ attempting to elude, driving under the influence, driving with license withdrawn, no insurance, open container, driving on the wrong side of the road and multiple other misdemeanor traffic offenses. He has also been charged with a felony – obstruction of an officer.

Gaffney is being detained at the Pickens County Adult Detention Center.