On March 14, 2025, a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Thurmond Rucker on Highway 79. The deputy made contact with Rucker and explained the reason for the stop.
While speaking with Rucker, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked him to step out. Instead, Rucker put the vehicle in drive and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit northbound on Highway 79.
Another HCSO deputy successfully deployed spike strips at the intersection of Highway 79 and Highway 2, causing both front tires of Rucker’s vehicle to deflate. Despite this, Rucker continued northbound at approximately 60 mph. The lead deputy attempted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing Rucker to leave the roadway, but he regained control and continued fleeing.
A second PIT maneuver was performed, successfully bringing the vehicle to a stop, and deputies were able to pin Rucker in despite his continued attempts to escape.
Rucker was taken into custody and initially complained of difficulty breathing. He was transported to Doctors Memorial Hospital, where he was medically cleared before being booked into the Holmes County Jail.
Rucker now faces multiple charges, including fleeing and Attempting to Elude, reckless Driving, resisting Arrest, and possession of Marijuana.
