in Flint River

After Police Chase

Managing Editor

The body of a Thomaston man was pulled from the Flint River the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Art Matthews, Jr., lead Woodbury police on a chase after he allegedly stole money from a Horseshoe Bend residence in Thomaston. A look out for Matthews was posted.

Sometime before dawn Nov. 21, Matthews was spotted and a chase started outside of Gay. Officers from Meriwether, Upson and Pike were involved.

As Matthews approached Hwy. 18 in Meriwether County, Woodbury police spotted the Ford pick-up Matthews was driving and followed him until he stopped at the boat ramp near Riverside Inn.

Major Dan Kilgore of the Upson County Sheriff's Department, said Matthews drove the truck into the river as authorities closed in on him. Once in the water, Matthews attempted to swim toward the Pike County side of the river, but went under.

A dive team was called in and rescuers pulled Matthews body from the Flint shortly before noon Wednesday.

Authorities say Matthews had a criminal history that included robbery and theft.