PRISCILLA, STOP. >> EVERY [screaming] DAY. >> STOP. WHAT'S GOING ON, PRISCILLA? >> MOMMY, DON'T hate me so much. >> We don't hate you, but you just put your hands BEHIND YOUR BACK, PLEASE. >> YOU HATE ME so much. >> Stop. Stop. >> What's going on? >> Nothing. I just was uh trying the car out and it >> [music] >> uh just tailed in my way. >> Okay. >> I cracked it by. >> Oh, it's Is that blood? >> I don't think so. I think it's probably >> The woods have always been a place both frightening and mysterious, and it's easy to see why they've been the source of inspiration for so many fictional stories, wherein they often house very real dangers. But sometimes fact can be stranger than fiction, and even the police can't believe what they found inside the woods. >> Show me your hands. >> Hey, don't move. Okay. Hey, do you have any weapons on you? On March 10th, 2024, a man was cited in a stolen vehicle. But when the cops confronted him, he fled into the woods and went down a creek. Officers then called in a canine unit to help track him down. But what began as a simple chase quickly became a matter of life and death. [laughter] >> No. >> No. Uh he Yeah, he came from the north or the other like northeast. So it wasn't it wouldn't have come this way. >> Probably just kind of up to you. You could try to turn side or you could just walk it. >> Um I mean I don't want to make you miserable either, but seems like >> seems like the most efficient way to go. There you go. The officers reached the point where the creek joined the main river. They needed to cross to continue their search, but the water was deep and had a strong current, and there were concerns for the safety of their dog. They decided to link arms and pull the dog along by his leash. Yeah, that's too strong across there. Um, all right, let's just go over the woods and just sit down. Despite their best efforts, the river was just too strong and too deep to cross in the section they chosen. The officers waited back out to look for a spot where the water was shallower. But it would soon become apparent that crossing wasn't necessary after all. >> Hey, it's okay. We're [laughter] going to get you help. You okay? Show me your hands. >> Okay. Don't move. Okay. Hey, do you have any weapons on you? Do me a favor and lay on your stomach. Lay on your stomach and put your arms out. Hey, I want to get you help, but I need you to listen to me. Lay on your stomach. [laughter] Lay on your stomach. Lay on your stomach. >> Hey, I want to help you. You're cold. You're going to die out here. Okay. Do you have any weapons on you? >> No. >> Okay. Can you walk? Can you walk? >> Okay. Break, break, break. 302. Male is hypothermic. He's stiff. He can't walk. So, we're going to need an extra gear. >> The suspect's clothes were completely soaked from the river. So, the officer set to work removing his hoodie and the shirt underneath in an attempt to start raising his body temperature. He tried to speak, but his words were too slurred to be understood. >> Hey, I need you to try to stand up. I need you to stand up. You want to die here? Do you want to die here? I need you to try to stand up so we can get you warm. Okay, I'm going to pull on you. Okay. Here, you grab this. Ready? [laughter] One, two, switch. All right. Hey, I'm going to do a walk. We're going to walk back and forth to keep you warm. Okay, you're going hypothermic. Hey, we're going to walk this way and turn around. Okay, [laughter] >> stand up. Turn around. We're going to go the other way. >> Good boy, buddy. >> Okay, let's turn around. We're going to walk back the other way. We got to keep you moving so you warm up. The helicopter, the boat's coming. We're going to pick you up. Let's go. >> There you go. Nice and slow. Keep your feet over here. >> After the suspect had walked back and forth a few steps, officers then asked him to move his arms while they held him steady. They tried to determine if he had any drugs in his system, asking him to nod his head yes or no while they waited for a helicopter to drop supplies. >> No. He said no to her. He said no to me. He said no to I'm not in trouble for that, man. We're just I'm asking you to make sure that I understand what's going on with you medically, okay? I don't care. I don't care what drug you're wanting down. >> Yeah. We're going to sit you down because the helicopter is going to come and it's going to make a lot of wind. We don't want you to fall over. Okay. We're going to have you walk over. We're going to sit you down there. All right. I got you. Good. Your hands are starting to work. They're hanging on you. All right. Sit down. Sit down and lean back. >> Lean back. I got you. >> Hey, it's okay. I've got a hold of you. Just go ahead and lean back. I'll hang on to you. fall. >> Just sit down. >> You got to sit down. >> I know your legs don't work right and you feel like you're going to fall, but I got a hold of you. Go ahead and sit down. >> With the help of the officers, the suspect was able to sit with his arms and legs crossed to help further maintain his body temperature while the helicopter dropped off a bag of warm clothes. The officers then completely removed his wet garments and dressed him in the fresh gear. >> That was [ __ ] crazy. Hey, we're going to take everything off of you. [snorts] >> This is my buddy's gear for diving. Keep it really warm. >> I'm going to put this on the ground so you can sit on it. Keep your butt up off the ground. >> Yeah. Hey, you were under arrest. Do you understand? >> Okay. We're not trying to take I mean, if I cared that much, man, I wouldn't be cradling you, walking you around in your house naked, but something we just have to tell you. But we do want you to get healthy before anything. So, I would imagine you're going to the hospital for a minute before you're going anywhere else. >> The rescue team arrived moments later, and the two officers informed them the suspect was maybe a little bit better than when they'd found him. The rescue team were then able to provide more assistance to raise his body temperature and save his life. >> I got some hot packs for you. Okay. >> Number five department. What's your name? >> Warming up. >> So, he did say he did acknowledge having drugs on board. Um, I couldn't pin down what cuz it's unlimited to like yes and no answers. >> Yeah, we went through and couldn't all three, but he did say yes, he has drugs on board. We had a very difficult time walking and we walked back and forth like 15 minutes and it took two of us to hold him and he was barely able to do that. >> Hey, are you feeling a little bit warmer? You guys need >> Yes or no? >> Yes. Okay, good. >> The suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment and made a full recovery, but it's unknown whether he was under the influence of drugs or just hypothermic. He was charged with burglary in the second degree, theft of a motor vehicle, vehicle prowling, and resisting arrest for fleeing. On June 11th, 2022, a man was reported for inappropriate behavior at Dresden Forest Apartments in Brook Haven, Georgia, in the Woodland area behind one of the buildings. Officers arrived on scene and a resident pointed them to where the suspect was hiding. Where was he? >> Yo, what you doing? >> No. Come here. Come here. >> Come over here. Given how they'd observed the suspect adjusting his pants, it seemed clear to the officers the reports of him touching himself were true. But they were still duty bound to give the suspect a chance to tell his side of the story. So the next step was to question him. >> I'm coming. I'm coming. >> You've been detained. You're not in the risk, but you're being detained. All right. >> What are you doing over here? >> Where's it at? All right. So, by your own admission, you're loading. What else are you doing? Be honest with me. >> What else were you doing? >> You sure? >> Nothing else? >> Yes, I >> So, why was uh why were you fixing your pants? >> Oh, okay. Yes, I was also >> What? All right, let's go. The suspect didn't have a good excuse for why he was out there, but he remained cooperative as the officers led him to their vehicle. He readily gave his name when asked for it and also freely admitted to having more in his backpack. But then he had a request that was almost comical. >> Please make my pants proper. >> Hold on. Let me get some gloves on. 20. I'm going have one in custody. >> Once he'd retrieved his gloves, the lead officer fixed the suspect's pants as he promised and proceeded to pat him down. He found ID in one of the pockets and placed it on the hood of the squad car. Then he asked the suspect if he knew what would happen next. >> Probably going to be arrested. Probably. >> Definitely. >> Yeah. >> Going down to county >> for sure for loading. >> So, why were you back here? Can't be doing this kind of stuff. Huh? >> Apparently, a bunch of people knew you were there. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. What do you think? I'm just walking around apartment building, Joe. Like, I don't got nothing else to do. You know what I mean? All right. So, relax, man. All right. >> We'll be taking off here pretty soon. >> All right. >> The male officer went on to search the suspect's backpack while interviewing the suspect, who claimed he's from Griffin, where he claimed to live with his parents and ended up there and got involved in illegal substances. So, what are you doing up here? >> I don't know, man. Bunch of drugs. >> Oh, okay. Well, that's probably not smart, huh? >> Yeah. >> Just doing what we can, sir. A paintbrush. Oh, [laughter] >> no, no, no, no. Hold on, hold on, hold on. I got something else. >> Got a sprayer. >> Is I got to get it off, though? Like, it's on there. >> How'd you step in that? >> I don't The guy said he uh lets his dog go behind the building. >> Do I got anything? >> Uh, no. Damn. What a day. [laughter] But this >> once they had cleaned the female officer's shoe, the male officer went back to searching the suspect's backpack. He checked the suspect was comfortable, leading to an unusual moment of self-awareness. >> Are you getting air back there or is it hot? >> No, it's good. It's good. All right. Do you ever believe that you >> Why? Like when you keep going down the same path and then like you get the same results. And you think the world's trying to tell you something >> perhaps or you're just making poor decisions. >> Yeah. But they're like they're fun in the short. Like I don't know if I'm like I'm definitely not a good human being. >> Yes, you are. >> No, like I I have good in Yeah. But like I don't know if I'm like I don't know. But like I for some reason doing like unethical quote unquote unethical things has never been that hard for me. But like never in terms of like totally like trying to hurt somebody but like I would always steal. I would always like >> I don't know. I don't know. >> It's just like I I don't understand the complexity. The suspect was taken to the DOB County Jail and even as he waited outside in handcuffs, he remained surprisingly open. He talked about how a friend in Atlanta had picked him up from Griffin to bring him to Brook Haven. And then he continued with more of his random realizations, >> but you know, I think there's some kind of synchron synchronicity or events where Like the energy that you put out is the energy that's going to come back to you and I put out bad energy. >> What do you do? >> What do you do? >> Well, I had a job earlier, but that kind of fell through. I have trouble right now, but I do I write books. That's like the one thing I'm trying to make is value. >> What kind of books? >> Everything from like fantasy to religion and spirituality, philosophy, philosophy. You know, I talk about ethics and like being a good human being. It's just I can't do it, which is the damn thing. You're taught right, but you just can't do right. >> He was charged with public indecency, possession of marijuana, less than 1 ounce, and loitering or prowling. Hopefully, his time in jail helped him find a way to resist his self-confessed compulsion to break the law, and he'd make better choices in the future. On September 7th, 2022, officers were dispatched to a Piggly Wiggly store in Georgia for a shoplifting incident involving a female suspect identified as Priscilla Miller. Officers spoke to a Piggly Wiggly employee who told them Priscilla was homeless and camping in the woods. Then they went to find the suspect. >> Miss Miller. Miss Miller, I know you can hear me. Clark County Police. >> We're out with Priscilla Miller in the woods. Miss Priscilla 1080. Priscilla, stop. >> PRISCILLA, STOP. [screaming] >> EVERY DAY. >> STOP. What's going on, Priscilla? [crying] >> Hate me so much. >> We don't need you. Just put your hands BY YOUR BACK, PLEASE. >> HATE ME so much. Stop. Stop. Stop. >> Oh, god. Now, Kel Ted, I love you forever, evening. Well, no, we're good. I'm good. Take me to jail. WHY Y'ALL POTTING ME? >> NO, WE'RE DONE. 26 MY arms off. You bastard. And please don't forget my bag. >> We'll grab your bag. >> I know. I want to save. >> Okay, >> but I'll be out cuz I'm going hard for everybody to save the head. You ugly and they bought me every starving and all y'all do is come after me and my own family. You think I give up my >> I got >> it was clear Priscilla was mentally unstable. As officers led her away from her camp and back through the woods, she spouted more of her nonsense and shouted more abuse at them. But her craziness was about to reach a whole new level. >> Can you wait? >> You stupid. You want to GET ME HANGING ON A TREE? >> ALL RIGHT. I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING YET. >> I'll get it fixed once you got to the road here. >> I know what they doing, T. We're only doing it to you. Look how you got my >> I'll let you know when we get out of the woods. >> You like to be called, you know. >> Let's keep walking this way. >> How you feeling today, Priscilla? No, mama. That's how I FEEL. NO, NOT THEM. I WON'T TALK TO ME. CAN HE CAN he attack me, please? Cuz you're all vibrating. >> Okay, we're going to do the same. He's going to be vibrating the same way. Bobby. >> Once they reached the road, the officer instructed Priscilla to stop while they waited for the squad car to arrive. He noticed one of the cuffs looked to be uncomfortable, and despite her continuous complaints of abuse, he promised to adjust it as soon as they were in the car. >> Step up to the tire. There you go. Right there. All right, stop right there. >> Everybody already know that. >> Okay, just chase the car. >> Is the dad pick up something right now? John can't get it cuz y'all are running. I get this cuz all y'all Anyway, look at my hand. You care? Go back to China. I mean, she thought >> I'm working on it. It needs to all go back to your go. All your go back. >> YOU THINK I'M PLAYING? YOU THINK I'M MAD AT YOU FOR NOTHING BECAUSE YOU smiling about >> Keep it down. >> You know WHERE I'M COMING FROM. GO AWAY. >> KEEP it down. >> I'm going to fix that. >> That's what it DOES TO YOU. MAKE ME WANT TO CAR. >> ALL RIGHT, PRISCILLA, THANKS. >> YOU WANT ME TO FIX THAT CUFF? That cuff doesn't look very comfortable. Do you want me to fix it? >> I'm going. >> Okay. >> Unsurprisingly, given her behavior so far, Priscilla's calm lasted a mere second before she started kicking off again. The officer gave up on trying to fix her cuffs and proceeded to search her before taking her to jail. >> T is so funny. Are you are you on or something? What is that? Y I'm too fast. >> Whatever. >> Big John's pork hawks. That hurt. >> Well, that's offered to >> Yeah. Hey, can we be >> No, this ain't even He offered a case. He already knew it was like this. >> Okay, we're going to fix it. You just need to calm down so we can be safe about it. Okay. >> Once they'd finished retrieving the stolen items from her pockets, the cops walked Priscilla to their other vehicle. But one of the officers noticed something suspicious on her foot. Meanwhile, the abuse she was shouting was getting even more nonsensical. >> What's that bag she got? Is that like a sock? >> I kept my hand for a long time. >> 62. Is that just Is that just a bag? WHAT'S GOING TO DO? >> Her feet. Is that just a bag? >> Am I in my life? [ __ ] >> just a bag of love kids. I want to go back to normal. Get a job or life. >> We going to eat one. I have to eat him or him or him. I rather eat him right here. >> We arresting her for obstruction. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I told her to stop. took off like just we just grab her and then handcuff her. >> Yeah, just do it over the phone. Put her in the car. >> The time had come to load Priscilla into the back of the squad car and take her to jail. Given just how mentally unstable she was, the cops must have been ready for another fight, but then she had a surprising change of heart. >> All right, go and have a seat. >> Thank God she get her hands off. >> You see there? Yep. >> Hands are off. >> Okay. I thought you could fix my handcuff. I offered to you and you said no. >> No, I I said yeah, you could. >> You want me to? No. Yes. >> Okay. Well, step back out. Step back out. >> I said I won't do it. >> Turn around and face the door. Stay right there. >> All right. I'm going to pop this cuff. >> It's going to take a second though cuz they're a little twisted. >> You just threaten my head off. Threaten my hand. Not just Priscilla Miller. You tell her >> naked. So I [ __ ] you over. >> Now I need you to lift your arms up. >> Yes, sir. How far you going? >> Right there. Right there. Right there. >> You don't move my goddamn arm that far. >> I do because >> cuz they're twisted. >> You must be eating or something, >> man. >> Yeah, it's the original, not the second one. >> Unfortunately, her brief display of calmness and cooperation would only last so long. She accused the officers of making things worse and continued to verbally abuse them even though they were trying to help her like she'd asked. >> My arm is not even the way it's supposed to go. >> So, give me a second, >> SIR. MY BAG IS OPEN. CAN YOU PLEASE close it? >> Well, give me taken care of. >> Yeah, >> we'll get all your stuff. >> I need my ID and stuff. I need all my credit. I need my job. We'll take it. Okay. Put it go back to China with nothing. We're looking at a tree. Get on vacation. I'll suck your penis. I need it. What about John? Huh? >> Switch this one around. No. All right. Relax. Relax. >> Chinese. >> I'm asking you. I'm trying to be nice. >> I don't like this. This is fine. Thank you, sir. I don't know how you put it on. >> All right. Here. I'm going to pop this one all the way off because this is fine. This is fine. Thank you. You sure? >> Yes, sir. It's fine. this time. >> I don't know how to put my hand in jail and they ever come right here. >> Okay. >> Hey, Kayla. >> Oh my god. Now, >> this is Officer Eckles County Police. >> That was just perfect. I can get out. >> Hey, we have we have contact with that female. >> Man, you think I can kill a monkey? >> All right, go ahead and have a seat now. >> Never mind. >> We don't Hey, girl. Did you get >> Is that better? It's better. >> Did you get the can back? >> Take a seat, Miss Miller. While the arresting officers were seating Priscilla in the back, one of their colleagues spoke to Piggly Wiggly over the phone and got them to tell her she was barred for 2 years. She took the news surprisingly well and allowed them to close the car door. They then discussed the case and finished searching her bag. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll do obstruction and shoplifting. >> Well, they don't want to prosecute. There's nothing we can do about it. >> Cuz I told her when we left that we were chasing her so that she'd prosecute when we're done. So, she decided to prose. >> Okay. Golly Lee mess in here. I'm just going to put it in safekeeping. I'm not even going to >> You're going to You're going to do that to the >> Priscilla was charged with obstruction of law enforcement and theft by shoplifting. Maybe her time in jail would help her cool off and seek the help she needed instead of committing crimes in the future. On August 18th, 2024, a deputy witnessed a suspect identified as Brendan driving a vehicle with a broken windshield. Brendan decided to keep going and didn't pull up until he reached his destination. >> Cop [clears throat] I live right here, sir. >> Want to be in the walnut. You can clear the channel. What's the address, sir? >> I got this knife on me. >> All right, put it down. What's the address here? >> Um 2021 Laura, my brother's inside. >> What's the address? >> 2027 or 2021. My brother lives inside. Sir, >> relax. Calm down. This is a traffic stop. Okay. You're detained for that. All right. I'm just asking where we're at. >> It's my brother's house. >> That's fine. Just relax. >> But it's my girlfriend's car inside. >> Relax, dude. I don't know why you're so excited right now. This is a traffic stop. All right. I was trying to pull you over on Walnut. Obviously, you ducked into here. My brother's house. >> That's fine. I'm not calling you. >> No, you don't need your brother. >> You need to relax, dude. >> Take the other knife off and drive on the floor. Don't go nowhere. Don't go nowhere. Just sit against the car cuz now you're wigging me out. My brother's not okay. I I don't need your brother, dude. I don't know what this has to do with your brother. The deputy explained to Brendan the reason he was being stopped was for the cracked windshield, but then it quickly became apparent he'd been driving without a license as well. It was time to arrest him. But he had other ideas. 31 stop. Despite the deputy's efforts to catch him, Brendan managed to veer off the road and into the woods and was able to circle back to the property where he'd left his car, as he'd clearly decided that was his best chance at escape. Dispatch has been updated. Unfortunately for Brendan, officers were well aware he jumped back in his car. The deputy was still on foot and moved in to try to stop him a second time. >> He's going to his car. Stop. Stop. [groaning] He's north. 1031's vehicle. The deputy raced back to his own car to catch up to Brendan. Meanwhile, his colleagues were able to track Brendan's car to a local junkyard. It didn't take the deputy long to arrive on scene, and he continued his search on foot. The car can't get out of here. Okay. But he can get out on foot at the front. >> What? >> Three more behind them. >> I need containment on Willard Hayes's house. >> You see the tire? >> He's the corner. He's the corner of uh Holly and Mahogany across from the park, the junkyard. >> Flutter, do you have a PX for uh [snorts] 13 incoming units? I'm going to need one unit to go to the front just to the east of Holly in front of the park. There's woods that run through in case he goes on foot. [laughter] I mean, somebody else should come to Holly and Mahogany for perimeter points. And then I just need to get a drone. >> You can clearly see the turn over the over correction and Robin down coming directly. >> Yeah, [clears throat] cuz he went up Laurel. >> Up Laurel. >> Yeah. You can see >> myself on mahogany. >> Once the perimeter was set in place, and a helicopter and K9 unit had also been called in. The officers began to search the woods around the junkyard. Eventually, they spotted the car among the foliage and carefully began to move in. There's a tree right here. I better angle it. >> Door's open on the driver's side. I don't see any movement. >> Sheriff's Office, come out WITH YOUR HANDS UP. You will die and he will bite you. >> Push it up. >> Looks clear on the side a little bit. Clear back seat. >> Clear front seat. >> Vehicle's clear. >> Since there was no sign of Brendan in his car, officers continued searching the woods, but only found discarded boots and socks. A witness then called in to report a man running through her yard near the crash site. >> Yeah. Yeah. We've we've checked under the bridge. >> I know. We went >> We've been We've been in these in this field. We went like at least 100 yards in. Uh we found cross this way. >> Yeah. So, you you don't you don't have any cameras or anything like that, do you? >> No. I wish we did. >> Wow. I wish my freaking yard was >> Did he Did he move from behind your house over here? >> He came between them two bushes. >> Yeah. >> Cuz there's an open patch back here. >> Running up beside the chicken coop >> and I seen him >> my I had my door open. >> Yeah. >> I seen him right about here. >> Yeah. >> Running. I'm like, "What the hell?" >> Yeah. Is my dog starting? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> What was he wearing, ma'am? >> He had a white hat, shorts, >> like a cat, like a baseball hat. >> Yes. Up here, I was dead. >> After talking to the witness, officers continued to search and found traces of where Brendan had been, but still couldn't find him. Then another witness came forward hours later with reports that a shirtless barefooted man had run through his yard. >> I'm all right. You doing okay? You hurt? >> Are you hurt? >> Somehat through the woods, man. Pull up on your side. Sit up. >> You hurt? Yes, sir. >> Yeah, I'll get you some water. Why didn't you text me back? >> Huh? >> Why didn't you text me back? >> What do you mean? >> I texted you. >> Did you? >> Yeah. Don't Don't play that. I called you, too. >> No, I mean, I ain't got no call or no text. I don't know who I hold or text you. What you find him? >> I ain't got you just over here in the woods or in the grass. >> Water bottle. >> Oh, all right. >> What's up, man? >> How you doing? >> How's the ride? >> Run. >> As Brandon was clearly exhausted and covered in lacerations from his run through the woods, the deputy called for a medic. There were also concerns Brandon might have hurt himself when he crashed his car. But most surprising was his reaction to the officer's questions. >> Since his moment, >> sir. >> Since this morning, >> you don't How do you get all those cuts on your back and stuff? >> Cuz I was hired. >> Oh, okay. That's where I met the run. You're running [music] from here from us, right? >> No, I'm literally I'm always running. >> Oh, you is? Okay, cool. No, I'm just talking. You found your boots though. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we got them. And your socks give up. >> And you're nice. >> We're nice. >> You're nice. >> Okay. It's quite a ride you took. No. No injuries from the car crash. >> Okay. [laughter] >> All right, man. You got a a plethora of charges. Okay. >> What is that? >> You got a whole bunch of charges. from what? >> Running from the cops. >> The deputy wasn't falling for Brendan's apparent amnesia, and pointed out to him the amount of cuts he'd gotten, which could only have come from running through the woods. But then Brandon came out with a surprising excuse. One that would only make his situation worse. >> You didn't just go through this. >> Was on drugs. >> I'm not going to refute that. Actually, my >> I'm just being honest with you. I'm saying I need help. >> What kind of drugs? >> Drugs. Is this what you toss in the woods or in the grass? >> Yeah. >> Where's your phone? What's your name? >> I don't even know my name, sir. >> Brendan. >> Brendan? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just going to play dumb. >> Sir, I think I'm being honest with you. I think I got some bad drugs. >> I was for three days and I got high, mother. I don't know what's going on. >> The deputy went on to read Brendan his Miranda rights while he continued to act like he didn't know what was going on and just stared at the deputy in apparent confusion when asked if he understood those rights. >> For somebody that doesn't know that they're being looked for by the cops, you sure just dropped on your knees and gave up with your hands behind your back and your legs up. on there. >> Well, if I didn't do anything wrong and I needed help from the cops, I probably wouldn't throw out in the middle of the street and kick my legs and cross them. >> I don't know. You ask me that. You know what I'm saying? That was control. You know what I'm saying? Other than that, you know what I'm saying? I don't know what else you want me to say. Like, I'll keep telling you. I guess somebody gave me some bad drugs and I mean, you know what I'm saying? Other than that, pay that. But everybody just stared at me. Yeah, we're waiting for the ambulance. We're kind of in the middle of nowhere. >> Where the ambulance at? Y'all >> about 10 miles away. >> After getting medically cleared, Brendan was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing with disregard for safety, obstruction without violence, driving with a suspended license, and being a fugitive from justice. Officers also found he was wanted for drug possession in Georgia. On January 16th, 2024, Uriah Ridge and her two young kids went missing from the hotel they were staying at. Officers received two calls. The first from the hotel after staff realized the family hadn't been back to their room since leaving the day before. And the second from Uriah herself, who said she was lost in the resort's woods. >> Cuz I'm telling you, I heard her on the phone. She She sounds terrible. We're trying to give the phone to the person that found her. >> Oh, think she's doing on purpose. She can't sing straight cuz she's >> I ran code down here. I'm worried about them kids. >> When I was in there right there wasn't right there in front of you. Where's she at? >> The man who reported finding the kids was another member of the hotel staff. He lifted them into his car and done what he could to help them, but they were both very cold and the little girl was unconscious. Jakeank [music] [music] got in the blank. one left. >> Try to maintain as much heat as possible. >> While the officers stripped the boy of his wet clothes and wrapped him in warm blankets, paramedics attended to the little girl in the ambulance. The boy Elijah was then lifted in and was able to answer questions to help the EMTs give the right medical care to his sister Alina. She's up the hills. >> Do you know if she had any medical problems? >> I don't have a camera. >> Hello. >> I got one. >> Where you want? >> You want to go under her shirt? >> Yeah. Jake, you got >> four shirt on this one. Got a warm blanket. Take this clothes off. >> They're wet. They're dead. They're not helping us. >> What's she name? >> Elijah. What's your sister's name? >> Aliyah. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Alina. >> Alina. >> Okay. >> Alena. >> She's going to be fine. >> Do you know Elena has any medical problems there? >> Does Elena have any medical problems? Does she have asthma or anything? >> You think she has asthma? >> Okay. Okay. I got a little bit of response. I'll take that. [snorts] >> Your bones feel weak? >> It's all right. Well, you're safe now. We're not going to let anything happen to you. Okay. >> He's holding right there. >> I know. Well, you're here now. We'll we'll carry you everywhere you want to go. Okay. Meanwhile, one of the officers went back to the site where the employee had found the family. He questioned the employee and investigated the area, trying to piece together what had happened that led to this life ordeath situation. >> Where did you say you found her face down at? >> She's face down. I think right here. >> Okay. All right. Just back up just a little bit. No, you're fine. >> Yeah. I thought she was dead when I got here. Honestly, she her eyes were wide open. She wasn't moving. >> Okay. The mom was curled up fetal position right there by her phone sitting up >> knees to her chest. >> The son was standing right here by that stuff. Just all hands in his pockets. Help me get >> So did you come down this way or find them or did you come up this way? went all the way around in the back farthest corner by the next property. Your your people sent me uh mapped with the location. >> Meanwhile, one of the officers moved Elijah to the back of another EMT vehicle and discussed with the driver how best to proceed. With the situation looking grim, they needed to move the family as safely as possible. Yeah. I don't I don't know. >> No. More than likely, no. [music] But you're waiting for another ambulance for him. Are we going to go ahead and take him or what do you want to do? >> I can't leave soon. The other ambulance gets here because of that lady. Let me move up a little bit. >> Is that one or they're saying that was more critical than this one? >> Yes. She's really bad. Is she bad? >> Yeah. How old is that one? >> Seven. >> Hey buddy, you doing okay? Seven. Yeah, >> she's seven. She's three. I can take him in this. I just ain't I think that back here with him is the problem. >> He ain't got water. >> But if his mom bad. >> Yeah. >> I'll just take him in this. I might get one of y'all to ride with me. So, somebody's back here with him. >> All right, buddy. I'm going to sit you up. Okay. When asked if he had any medical problems such as diabetes, Elijah said no and that his bones just felt weak and the officer explained how he was having a hard time walking. He also said he had a sore throat and runny nose. Meanwhile, medics worked to help Uriah with the sevenyear-old boy in the back of his old Yeah, they were >> sover in the car. You can bring them to the main ER ent. >> With the family already being transported to the hospital, officers went to get more details from the hotel employee who'd found them. He started with how he believed they'd become so lost. I think they came from that way >> and there's a gate that's it's off cap like right off the side of the road. You you can't see it unless they go over there, >> but I guess GPS took them there and Uber let them out here. >> So they came through that back gate. >> So instead of thinking they were up there, they came through down here >> all the way through here. I mean, it's probably I don't I don't know. I get lost back. It was probably a mile or more that they covered on this trail and then got here. And what's sad is if they would have pressed that hill, they would have seen structures, you know, maybe maybe not. I mean, they could have just easily got looped around. So, >> awesome. People got your name and your date of birth. Yep. >> The employee went on to describe the scene when he'd found them. Starting with the state of the little girl, but what was most shocking was his description of Uriah's behavior. When >> I pulled up, she was laid out with her hands at her side and her face was covered in mud up to here, covered in leaves. like maybe they tried to cover her with leaves and her eyes were I mean as big a wide open as I've ever seen and and and bubbles coming out of her mouth and she was right I think around that that impression is right here. >> She was laid like that and then the mom was sitting kind of far away from her there. No, once he dropped me off, I stayed here. Make sure >> there was a uh >> was the bomb. Okay, >> the other maintenance guy that came up walking up through here. >> I told him all I said, I want to get these wet clothes off of you. And I was shedding stuff to put on them >> and I kept telling her, she said, "Okay, okay." But she wouldn't do nothing. She was in shock. >> Even in a state of shock, it's hard to believe Uriah wouldn't do anything to help save the lives of her kids. Since the employee didn't know how long the family had been staying at the hotel, they then went to talk to the receptionist and front desk manager. >> Yeah, the kids are not. It's not good. So, we're dealing with it now. I need to get some information from you. Please. >> Last time you saw her, she was in here. >> Yes, she was in here. She walked in with her two children. Um, >> she drinking or anything? I didn't see her doing any drinking. I know one of the kids fell asleep on her lap. The other one was like there just about cameras in there. >> We dropped them off here. >> No, this is when I got in. I don't have video of them getting of them coming back >> because we never stop. >> It's just strange how she got so mixed up. >> Deriah and her children had been out in the freezing temperatures for over 12 hours. Meanwhile, Elijah finally arrived at the hospital, but there was bad news to come. All right, buddy. They're going to take care of you. They're going to take care of you. Okay. >> Hey, no problem. Thanks for getting me around. >> What were you say about? >> So, they got picked up at his mom's work, uh, somewhere not in Douglas County. She was supposed to get off 4:30, get off in 11:00. Um, a male [snorts] picked them up and an explorer brought them to the end of a road. Okay. >> And then they got out and [clears throat] they didn't know where they were at and they've been walking around ever since. >> Okay. Um, do you have any? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, this is all your >> Yeah, that is that sister. She what? >> Where's she at? >> Unfortunately, little Alina passed away from hypothermia. Even more tragic, Elijah told the cops how every time he and his sister had said they were cold, their mom had told them to be quiet, and how he was the one who' covered his sister with leaves. Uriah was found guilty of murder, possession of a controlled substance, and public intoxication, and sentenced to life in prison. On January 3rd, 2025, a man, later identified as Richard Frank, crashed his car and got lost in the surrounding swampy woodland. It had already gotten dark and there was continued snowfall, but Richard still can't be found. Officers followed a trail of footprints in a desperate bid to find him. He stopped right here. >> Yeah, he cut back [snorts] [laughter] this way. [snorts] Essentially once We'll be following into the wood line now paralleling 72nd a [snorts] down here. The tracks crisscrossed as though Richard had been wandering aimlessly, leaving officers guessing at which direction he might have taken. Thankfully, they eventually spotted him lying on the ground. >> Hey, let me see your hands. 88. I got him right here laying in the in the weeds. Sheriff's office. Sheriff's office. Hey, >> sheriff's office. Can you get up? You're bleeding a little bit. >> Central 813, can you have VMS come out here? Got some lacerations to the hand. [snorts] >> What's your name, bud? >> Richard. >> What's that? >> Richard B. Richard. Frank. >> Richard. What? >> Frank. >> Frank. Okay. What's going on? >> Nothing. I just was uh trying the car out and it uh dish tailed off the road one way. >> Okay. >> I cracked it, but it went >> Have you been hearing us yelling for you out here? >> No, I was laying down. >> Okay. Have you lost consciousness at all? >> No. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> Can you slide your butt out this way? >> Um, yeah. And then what I'd like you to do is just try to here. >> I know. Okay. >> I know you're Don't Don't >> Okay. >> You got bloody hands. So, I'm going to grab a hold of you. Just slide with your butt and feet. Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. Sit right there. >> I will. >> I'm going to try to find a good way. Can you walk? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I'm going to try to find a good way we can get you out of this swamp. >> Okay. Please. Can I get up with you? >> What's that? >> Can I make >> Hold on, sir. When asked how long he'd been out there, Richard didn't know. He was soaked and pretty out of it after lying on the ground, indicating he may have hypothermia. >> My hands. Where they go? >> I'll hold the bushes for you. Okay. All right. >> You just you keep following me. All right. I feel like >> you going to fall cuz your legs are hurting or what? >> My legs are hurt. >> Hold on. Let me Let me look. >> No, >> your legs are hurting. >> Mine they're numb and I'm >> They're numb. >> I'm on disability. >> Okay. What What prior injuries do you have? neck and uh back [snorts] >> surgeries on both. >> No. >> No. What What were you diagnosed with? >> Um well, I got disc herniated disc. >> Okay. >> And um I suffered from migraines. >> Okay. Keep following me. Okay. >> I'm going to try to clear a path. So, hold on. >> My neck [snorts] backed. >> I know. I'll work with you. All right. I'm clearing you a path to make it easier. No. >> If you need to stop, let us know. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Is it pain or is it Is it pain or is it numbness? >> Well, I'm They're going to give out. >> Okay. >> Oh, God. >> Richard was very unsteady on his legs. But one officer cleared a path for him while the other supported him and kept him from falling. They didn't make it far before Richard needed a break and they helped him sit down on a log. >> Hey, Sarge. You got a blanket? >> His legs are numb and they gave out. He can't I'm going to let him take a break for a second. Try to clear a path here. >> Is he hypothermic or is he like >> got a mental issue or >> He's got uh prior uh medicals with his legs and his neck. I haven't gone into to mental health or anything. He's not if anything it's drugs. He's not under the influence. I don't smell an order of alcohol, but he's been out here a while and he's soaked and he was laying down in the in the wet grass. >> I do not have an emergency blanket. [snorts] >> Okay. Um I'm going to I'm going to start clearing a path. >> It was a struggle to cut through the briars. The officer only had a knife to hack at them with, and even though he was wearing gloves, his hands still got scratched by the thorns, but he kept going, knowing this was a matter of life and death. >> Yeah, he's he's pretty out of it. I know. I did. He's got them. He's got keys hanging on his belt line. I did a quick pat down just for any type of weapons. [snorts] [snorts] [laughter] All right. There's that back. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> How you doing, Mr. Franks? >> Okay. >> Okay. [snorts] Here. Let me see if I can't move this out your way. That's going to be a big step. >> I got you. I got you. Relax. >> I got you. >> All right. Step over the log. Yes, sir. >> We're going to get you in the warm car. Okay. Help me. >> You got one more log. >> As they led him to their car, they asked him what time he thought he'd crashed his vehicle. He estimated it was around 700 p.m., meaning he'd been out in the cold for nearly 3 hours. >> Let me try giving you a push. How's your cardio, Calier? I said, how's your cardio? Cuz I'm going to just cut cut straight across here. You're going to slide over here. Let me go. see if this drops off. >> Once the squad car was safely back on the road, the lead officer ran to his own vehicle and rushed to get Richard a blanket. But the blanket would not do much good because Richard was still in his wet clothes. So the officer instructed him to strip down. >> Mr. Franks, what I'd like you to do is take off your wet sweatshirts >> and I'm going to wrap you in a in a dry warm towel. Okay. >> Okay. >> So take off your sweatshirts. That that water is only making your body temperature colder. [snorts] >> Here, >> I'll take it. >> I know you're hurt. I'm sure you're hurting all over >> with the cold setting, man. >> Take off that other one. >> You want me to help you with the zipper? >> Okay. >> Take that off. >> Yeah. Now it's all >> right. >> All right. >> Stay wrapped up in that. Okay. >> Thank you. >> The officers found Richard had a prior for meth, but there was a good chance his behavior was purely due to hypothermia. However, he still seemed very distressed and the lead officer tried to get him to calm down. >> Hey, Mr. Franks, >> what I'd like you to do just for your wellbeing, okay? You got heat coming in. I want you to to relax. Stop jumping around in the back seat. I want you to take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Okay. >> In through your nose. >> Yep. And out through your mouth. I want you to try to slow down that your your heart rate a little bit. I want you to conserve your energy. Okay. >> Okay. >> In through your nose, out through your mouth. Just try to relax your body. Okay. >> Keep your eyes open so you know you're staying awake. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I know you're probably in a lot of pain. >> Yep. and your whole body is feeling it, okay? But jumping around isn't isn't going to do you any favors, okay? >> The officer continued to keep an eye on Richard while they waited for the ambulance. He was lucky they'd found him when they did. On December 3rd, 2022, two homeless men named Alan Cheetwood and Jamie Danger approached [music] paramedics with reports of a gruesome find at a campsite in the woods. Officers arrived on scene and began by interviewing the paramedic who' called them in. >> So I came out to [music] grab a bottle of water from the truck and they were walking up looking like they were probably a knock on the door. [music] I just so happened to beat them by 30 seconds and they said um said, "Hey, our friend is one that >> they both were reiterating it." Um, the one with the stick was the more concerned one, >> but uh, they're like, "We we found him wrapped in a tarp. We think he's so >> Is that a pretty good like verbatim quote? >> We found we found him wrapped in a tarp." Yeah, we think I think that's pretty verbatim. Okay. >> And what did they say about it? Um they said that uh they saw a knife sitting um near the body, but they were uh there was no blood on it. >> They said there was no blood on it. >> Mhm. That they saw. So they were like, you know, wanting us to go out there and check it out. So I told them that I'm going to call for law enforcement cuz we're not going to go in the woods right now with a knife in the body. >> Jamie then led an officer into the woods and toward the campsite. When asked, he said two people lived there named Rick and James. He believed the latter was the victim they'd found. But as he began to recount his version of events, he brought up new information that made the situation more disturbing. >> I watch. >> Yeah. >> Knife was laying on the ground. There's no blood on it. >> Did you touch the knife? >> I did pick up the knife. >> Okay. Well, we're going to need to get fingerprints from you. Okay. >> No, no problem. >> Okay. And then um Allan walked by the truck, goes, "What's that?" and he picked the chalk up with with his stickings on his hand and James was laying there face down and I dropped the back and we left. >> Okay. All right. Well, we're going to need to get a very detailed statement from you. Okay. Yes, sir. >> Just because >> I understand. >> Well, the thing is >> I'm not accusing you of anything, but you have to be ruled out. You see what I'm saying? >> 100%. I >> meanwhile, the officer's partner spoke to Allan, who the paramedic referred to as the one who was more concerned. >> And then what time did you go over there? Just now? >> Yes, ma'am. Just now we come right here and and stop the paramedics and told them call 911. Okay. Now, >> can I get your name? >> Yes, ma'am. Alan Cheetwood. >> Huh? What is it? >> A L A N Cheetwood. C H E A T W O D. >> What's your middle initial? >> That is My name's Robert. >> So, which Robert Allen? >> Yes, ma'am. I go by Allan. >> Okay. What's your birthday? Uh 10:1565. >> Okay. Do you have a phone number or anything like that? Yes, ma'am. What's your phone number? >> I remember that. 448 >> Mhm. >> 666 >> 4618. >> Okay, >> that's it. >> And you said that you and your friend went over there and found him, correct? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. I'm going to go over there. Okay. >> Well, I I got to go help. Okay. I got to help him figure out I couldn't get back up. >> No, no, no. You're going to stay here. Okay. You okay staying here for me? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Once Jamie and the male officer were near the camp, the officer asked Jamie to stay back while he went and had a good look around. Jaime claimed he hadn't looked in Rick's tent, but his worries were palpable as he asked the officer to check in there immediately. >> All right. Where's the knife? >> Knife's on the left hand side of him. >> Okay. >> On the ground. He's got a white belt. >> Okay. Just hang out there for me. Okay. >> Yeah. [snorts] The officer knelt to check James body. There was no pulse and it was already cold to the touch, indicating he had been a little while. Jaime remained concerned for the two men who lived in the camp. And as the officer radioed it in, he began to get a bit too close. >> Just stay right there for me. Okay. >> Yeah. You're halfway. >> Yeah. SL3893 SO389 371 10 4 signal 7. >> All right, sir. Head back up for me. Okay. >> All right. >> Checking that other chance, sir. >> I'm going to check it. Okay. 38 936. >> As the body was still fairly fresh, the officer had a good look at the surrounding woodland and thought he saw movement. He couldn't be sure if it was a person or an animal, but it sounded to be heading toward the campsite. So, he radioed again to update his colleagues. >> Hey, up. >> So, hey, we got movement east of here. >> There's something moving around back this way. Fresh. >> Oh, body's fresh. What? Whatever's moving on right here, I'm listening to it. 67. >> Is there blood on the knife? >> Uh, there's something. It looks like rust, but it could have been right here next to his body. [snorts] >> Now you got another homeless camp right straight through there. >> Okay, >> that's where those other two That's where those other guys stay at. [snorts] Okay, >> this channel's here. We got one person out from this camp. >> Two more officers went to check the second campsite near the crime scene, and a helicopter was dispatched to help search for the perpetrator who could still be in the area. They found no sign of anyone at the other campsite. So, they went back to have a closer look at the tents belonging to Rick and James. And as if the discovery of the body wasn't bad enough, there were more chilling things to be found. >> Little eyeball right here. Looks kind of spooky. Some creepy going on. >> Creepy, creepy, creepy. >> What's that right there? >> No. No. >> What's that right there? Is that >> No, no. Right up under the carbon. Is that >> blood? >> Oh, it's it's >> Is that blood? >> I don't think so. I think it's >> That's part of that that rock. >> A later analysis would confirm the substance under the carving was in fact blood. There were more splatters found around the campsite and an ID card belonging to a man named Kevin Michael Leendker. One of the officers went back to his vehicle to check if Kevin was in the police database. >> Hey, is this child's blood right here? >> That's not That's not him. >> You see that? >> Let me let me see. >> I bet he's my >> No, no, no, no, no, no. Talking about >> that might be James if he had a stroke. >> Yeah, he had a stroke. was younger. No, that's his son. No, >> that's James's son. >> That's the deceased son. >> That's Kevin. >> That's his son. >> Yes, sir. >> His name is James. >> His name is James. >> Yes, sir. >> Oh my god. >> So, you saw the similarity in his face, right? >> All right. We We got the detectives coming out. We appreciate y'all hanging out cuz y'all going to help us a lot, man. We appreciate you. >> We appreciate you, man. We'll be right back with you. Okay. >> Back at the crime scene, officers were unwilling to tamper with the evidence before forensics were able to do a full sweep. The campsite still had more secrets to uncover, including a suspicious smell. >> I don't see any wounds where he's at. There's some red substance near his left hand. >> His stomach right here looks like right here. You see how his stomach is right there? Red. >> See, >> I would think that you maybe a bunch of blood if you had stab there. What do you see here? You have to get down there and look. >> Yeah. >> Smell this. Right. You don't smell gas right here. >> I can absolutely smell gas right here. I don't know, but there's definitely gas right here. >> Meanwhile, the officer waiting with Allan and James continued to talk to them, and they had a sudden hunch as to who a potential suspect might be. >> That is a weird That's a weird >> He came down there and threatened me last night. >> Yeah, he had more cooking dinner. >> Seemed like he should stay in his own area. Why is he messing with y'all? >> He's messing with him. >> He's just a bully. He's a bully. >> Stay up there in his house. >> He's a bully. >> Has he always been a bully? >> Yes, sir. I am. 29 years old. >> What was his name again? >> Justin McDonald. >> He's familiar to us, I believe, isn't he? >> Yes, sir. >> He [music] just went to jail. >> What kind of vehicle does he drive? >> Allan and Jamie went on to say that Dusty would allow them to use his home for showers and laundry and would sometimes let them stay the night. James had been living there until Dusty asked him to return to the campsite, but the two had been seen arguing earlier that day, prompting officers to pay a visit to Dusty's property. >> Sheriff Bars, PUT IT PUT A KNIFE DOWN, MAN. >> Come on out. >> Come on out, >> dude. I got >> Come on out. >> I don't have anything in my hand. >> Okay, come on. >> Please, I don't have anything in my hands. >> Come on out. >> I'm right here, sir. >> Come on out, >> dude. I'm right here. >> Dude. Yeah. >> Turn around. Put your hands behind your back, >> dude. The man just trying to light me on fire, dude. We got contact in the front window. >> Of course. Of course, man. Sir, y'all know what happened down there. That man tried to light me on fire, man. It's all on surveillance, dude. >> Trying to do anything stupid. Kind of bite you. >> I'm not I'm not even armed, dude. Look. I'm not armed at all, sir. Sir, man just left my house and man who murdered me down there and light me on fire. >> Yeah. Okay. Dusty claimed James had tried to set him on fire, which could explain the smell of gas officers had noted earlier at the campsite, but an autopsy revealed the true reason to be much more sinister when they found gasoline in the victim's system. Interviews with the homeless community, painted Dusty as living in a fantasy world. A side of himself he eventually showed to the cops. >> No, not really. I'm just really tired. I was just about to eat and as you know, I walked up to Max, man. Yeah. >> So, do you know how hard today was? >> I can't imagine >> when I cross that damn bridge and hit through that damn gas. You know me. >> I mean, we know. I mean, come on. You know. >> Yes. >> I'm handling it remarkably well if you man that was some crazy, man. And to still be able to get us some usable intel, you know? You'll get why staying at that place is so dangerous for me. >> I did not enjoy any of that crap. >> With further questioning, Dusty talked more about how he believed he was part of a secret operation to gather intelligence from the homeless community and confessed to using extreme interrogation techniques on the victim. His charges are unknown. The woods hide many secrets and can trick even the most seasoned hikers into getting lost. But some of those secrets are so surprising, even the police can't believe what they found. Don't forget to like and subscribe and turn on notifications for more videos like this.