Athens armed robbery suspect arrested after high-speed police pursuit

Shakur Ti Thomas

By Joe Johnson

A Madison County man was arrested this week after he allegedly robbed someone at gunpoint in Athens and then led police on a chase that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour.

Events were set in motion on Wednesday, when 23-year-old Shakur Thomas was driven by his grandfather from their home in Hull to an auto repair shop on Commerce Road in Athens.

After robbing someone inside the shop at gunpoint of a gold necklace, Thomas told the older man to drive away.

When police stopped the car on Prince Avenue andthe grandfather got out to speak with officers, Thomas took control of the vehicle and sped away.

Officers gave chase, but broke off the pursuit when the fleeing car reached speeds of over 100 mph.

The grandfather told police that Thomas likely was headed to their home in Hull, and Madison County deputies arrested the suspect upon his arrival there.

Thomas was subsequently handed over to Athens officers and booked into the Clarke County Jail on charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, felony obstruction, felony evasion, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.