Illegal drug activity leads to arrest after foot chase and boat rescue
A view from the APD drone above as the suspect fled across the pond.
Georgia DNR rangers bring the suspect aboard their boat.
Ryan Luvonte Charles
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, at approximately 11 a.m., Officers with the Adel Police Department were dispatched to the Days Inn on West Fourth Street after receiving a report of possible drug activity.
Upon arrival by Officers, a suspect, later identified as Ryan Luvonte Charles, 31, of Ray City, fled the area on foot as Officers were approaching to investigate. Officers chased the suspect to the area behind the Western Sizzlin restaurant, where he stole a bicycle belonging to an employee.
The suspect continued northward on the bicycle behind the Hampton Inn until he abandoned the bicycle and swam across a pond. Charles remained on the bank of the pond and was monitored from the air by APD’s drone until Rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit reached him by boat. Charles was taken into custody without further incident.
After Officers determined which vehicle at the Days Inn belonged to Ryan, they secured a search warrant for the vehicle and located a large amount of suspected marijuana, a rolling tray, and digital scales in the car.
Ryan was transported to the Cook County Jail, where he was booked on charges to include obstruction of law enforcement officers, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related objects, and theft by taking (misdemeanor).
Adel Police Chief Audie Rowe wishes to thank the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Rangers with the Department of Natural Resources, and APD Drone Operator Sgt./Det. Matthew Bryan for assisting with this incident.