GSP Releases Name of Man In Chase Friday

The Georgia State Patrol has released the name of a man who led authorities on a multi-county chase Friday that ended in Stephens County.

According to the GSP, 29-year-old Darren Adam Dawson of Commerce was the driver of the motorcycle that led authorities from Habersham and Stephens counties, as well as state troopers, on a chase from Habersham County into Stephens County Friday around dusk.

The GSP has charged Dawson with numerous traffic offenses, including DUI-Drugs, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Speeding, Failure to Maintain Lane, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road, Driving while License Suspended, Obstruction, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, among others.

According to the GSP, Dawson was traveling south in the north travel lane of the Toccoa By-pass when he attempted to cross his motorcycle over the median in order to avoid oncoming traffic near the intersection of the By-pass and Georgia Highway 145.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said the chase reached speeds of 110 miles per hour in Stephens County and involved a rolling roadblock that eventually caused Dawson to lose control of the motorcycle at the intersection of the By-pass and Highway 145.

Dawson attempted to flee, but was captured a short time later.

Shirley said that Dawson also faces charges in Habersham County related to this incident.