Richmond County man charged with cruelty to children

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. – A Richmond County man has been charged with cruelty to children, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say Brandon Chapman was taken into custody and charged with cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of a firearm during commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine and Xanax, and reckless driving and fleeing to elude.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in reference to a possible cruelty to children involving a three month old child on Friday, April 9, at 4:56 p.m., said authorities.

While investigating the call, deputies say they determined the possible suspect, Chapman, was at Sonic on Tobacco Road. They were able to make contact with Chapman who was sitting inside his vehicle, said the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, after several failed attempts to get Chapman to exit his vehicle, Chapman accelerated into reverse and fled the scene at a high rate of speed out of the parking lot.

While fleeing the scene, one of the tires on his vehicle blew out causing a loud pop, said the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say they got into a short vehicle pursuit which ended on the 2300 Block of Travis Rd.