A South Carolina man wanted for murder was in the Banks Crossing area Friday although the amount of time he was here remains in question.
Banks County sheriff Charles Chapman said his office received word from South Carolina authorities that Derrick Ruff, who is wanted in connection for murder in South Carolina, was reportedly at the Best Western motel, room 117 Friday evening around 7 p.m.
The information was given to South Carolina authorities by Ruff’s girlfriend, Chapman said. Ruff is wanted to allegedly taking part in a home invasion in which a person was robbed and killed.
Once the BCSO received word Ruff was in the area an undercover officer was sent to the motel to try and make sure he did not leave. Ruff was never seen leaving the room he supposedly was in.
The GBI was called in and a team was assembled to arrest Ruff. At approximately 2 a.m. the room was forcibly entered although Ruff was not inside. The television was on and Ruff’s possessions, including clothing and shoes, were inside.
Chapman said it is his belief that Ruff left the scene several hours earlier, perhaps not long after his girlfriend told South Carolina officials where he was. The sheriff said a team had to be assembled to apprehend the fugitive, however, since he was believed to be armed and dangerous.
Ruff was believed to be in possession of a cell phone and in contact with his girlfriend after arriving in the Banks Crossing area.
