Speeder pursued by Roswell officer arrested in Jasper

ROSWELL, Ga. — A man was arrested Sept. 1 and charged with reckless driving and felony fleeing after a vehicle pursuit that began in Cherokee County and extended into Pickens County. A Roswell officer was traveling in his patrol vehicle going north on Georgia 575 in Cherokee County when a black Audi sedan allegedly sped past him in the emergency lane going more than 120 mph. The officer reported the reckless driver to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia State Patrol. The officer said the vehicle weaved through traffic and forced another vehicle off the highway and into the grass. The officer activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. As the pursuit approached Pickens County, the officer notified Roswell dispatchers and requested they alert the Pickens County Sheriff's Office and the state patrol. The Audi sedan allegedly accelerated to 124 mph — the maximum speed of the Roswell patrol car — and continued into Pickens County, running through traffic lights and using the shoulder to pass vehicles. The officer determined he could not safely use a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, to stop the car. While approaching an intersection near Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, the officer was advised to stop the pursuit and hand it off to Pickens County and the state patrol. While at the intersection, the officer reportedly observed multiple emergency vehicles at the site of an active accident. The Audi sedan allegedly moved into the left shoulder and accelerated toward the emergency scene and its personnel. A state trooper at the intersection reentered his patrol car and took up the pursuit. When the Roswell officer saw the trooper was the only unit in pursuit, he reactivated his emergency equipment and tried to catch up, but the Audi sedan sped out of his sight. Pickens County deputies eventually blocked the Audi sedan near downtown Jasper. When the Roswell officer arrived, the driver was already in custody. The driver allegedly said he was running late to meet a woman. Appreciate the work? Help us keep this reporting available to all by joining the Appen Press Club. Your support makes all the difference. Chip in!