Hammett Caught and Arrested in Gwinnett County

A suspect that led Banks County and Maysville authorities on a high-speed chase and search two weeks ago is now behind bars in Gwinnett County after allegedly being involved in a similar incident there this week.

29-year old Richard Michael Hammett was captured by Gwinnett Police Thursday after allegedly stealing a car there.

The Banks County Sheriff’s office said Hammett eluded Banks and Maysville authorities on Sunday December 27th after they say he stole a car in Maysville.

Authorities say Hammett ditched the car and fled on foot, resulting in a search of the area by Maysville and Banks County law enforcement that lasted into the night.

According to Banks County Spokesperson Sgt Carrissa McFaddin, the search for Hammett led investigators in Banks County to the discovery of other crimes they believe he was involved in.

“After the incident on December 27 occurred in our county, our investigation led to the recovery of numerous stolen items that were taken in several burglaries from Banks, Jackson and Franklin counties,” McFaddin said. “We were also informed that on New Years Eve, Hammett fled on foot from authorities in Walton County where he has been linked to entering several autos in their county. Inn those incidents he allegedly took a number of firearms.”

Then on Wednesday, McFaddin said her office was informed that Hammett had allegedly stolen a vehicle in Gwinnett County.

“On Thursday, we were informed Hammett fled from authorities in Gwinnett County where he then stole a red 2005 Kia Spectra hatchback,” McFaddin said.

Shortly after the Banks County Sheriff’s office issued a press release Thursday asking for the public’s help to locate Hammett it was learned he had been arrested by Gwinnett authorities.

Warrants for Hammett’s arrest have been issued in Banks County, which include charges of burglary according to McFaddin.
Georgia Department of Corrections records indicate Hammett was paroled from prison in October.