Officers recognized

Four officers with the Hazlehurst Police Department were recognized Monday night for their efforts in recovering a stolen car with a 9-month-old baby in the car last week.
Police Chief James Mock said that Rylie Cravey of Waycross went to the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen drive-in on Coffee Street to make an order. She told officers that the car in front of her was taking so long she decided to leave her car running and run inside to get a glass of tea.
While she was inside, Scotty Jackson of Hazlehurst got into her car and drove away. Ms. Cravey quickly called 911 and the call for assistance went out. Officers Sylvester Brown and Branon White were on duty and responded to the call. Officers Richard Taylor and Jeremy Nelms were off duty but they heard the broadcast and also responded in their civilian clothes.
The officers quickly spotted the stolen car and gave chase as Jackson drove the 2023 Land Rover, circling through Hazlehurst and returning, getting almost back to Popeyes when the officers apprehended him.
The child was returned to her mother unharmed, as was the vehicle. Mock said the mother was ecstatic and appreciated the outcome.
At Monday night’s Hazlehurst City Council workshop, Mock recognized Brown and White for their quick response, and commended Taylor and Nelms for their dedication to their jobs by leaving their homes while off-duty to assist with the chase.
Jackson is charged with theft by taking the motor vehicle and kidnapping. Mock said that as of Tuesday he was still in jail under a $23,000 bond.