Albany high-speed chase ends with drug arrests

ALBANY — A minor traffic infraction resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers Tuesday, according to authorities with the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit.

Paul Guhl, an interdiction officer with the ADDU, spotted a vehicle with a window tint infraction in the vicinity of Merry Acres Middle School around 3:30 p.m., ADDU officials say, and when the officer turned his blue lights on, the driver of the white 2015 Dodge Charger pulled away at high rate of speed.

According to Capt. Eddie Jones, interim commander of the ADDU, Guhl chased the suspects at speeds up to 70 mph north on Baldwin Drive until the driver, Gregory Keith Washington, lost control of the vehicle just past Maryland Drive and crashed into a tree.

“From the time I turned my blue lights on till the point where the car was crashed was probably around 20 seconds,” Guhl said.

Officers found an assortment of illegal drugs inside the suspect’s vehicle, Jones said, including methamphetamine, heroin, and a small amount of marijuana. According to ADDU officials, more than $2,000 in cash was also discovered in the car.

Both Washington, 23, and his companion, Ronda Latoryu Winkfield, 32, had minor injuries in the wreck, Jones said, with Winkfield’s previously broken wrist being re-broken and Washington suffering lacerations from shattered glass. Both were transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released.

Two young puppies were found inside the wrecked vehicle, Jones said, one of which was severely injured and required euthanasia.

Washington and Winkfield were charged with a variety of drug-related charges, Jones said, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related objects and DUI not safe. Other charges included reckless driving, attempting to allude and cruelty to animals.

The suspects were transported to the Dougherty County jail where on Wednesday they remained without bond, jail officials say.