Franklin Co. Chase Leads to Wreck, Fatality

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

A high-speed chase Wednesday afternoon down Interstate 85 ends with a fatality.

Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas said it began when his deputies spotted a silver vehicle with Tennessee tags speeding down the Interstate.

“The driver of the vehicle refused to stop,” said Thomas. “Deputies activated their blue lights and sirens. The chase began.”

Thomas said the driver sped off of the Interstate at Exit 164, or Georgia Highway 320, and was attempting to get back on the Interstate when he hit another vehicle.

“He failed to stop at a stop sign, striking a Georgia DOT vehicle,” said Thomas.

The passenger of the vehicle in the chase was killed, said Thomas.

According to Thomas, drugs were thrown from the vehicle during the chase and then as they attempted to arrest the driver, the situation escalated.

“The driver made several attempts to reach between the seats,” said Thomas. “Deputies found a handgun between the seats.”

EMS arrived and took the suspect and the DOT driver to the hospital, but so far, there is no word on the extent of their injuries.

Thomas said the Georgia State Patrol’s accident investigation team continues to investigate.

Thomas also said names are being withheld until families are notified.