Dashcam footage released by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office shows a dangerous high-speed chase through a Georgia residential area that ended when a stolen SUV rolled over, leading to the arrest of a missing 17-year-old.
A Stolen Vehicle Alert Sparks the Chase
Deputies said the pursuit began shortly before 2:45 p.m. Wednesday after they were alerted to a stolen vehicle reported out of Newnan, a city about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. Law enforcement broadcast a description of a red SUV, prompting Lt. Josh Akin to begin searching the area for it.
According to the sheriff’s office, the SUV sped past Akin and Deputy Sheriff Nelson near Antioch Road. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and instead accelerated, triggering a pursuit along busy and narrow roadways.
Speeds Over 115 MPH on Winding Roads
Dashcam video shows the SUV reaching speeds exceeding 115 mph while weaving through traffic. At several points, the vehicle crossed into oncoming lanes on winding roads, creating what deputies later described as an extreme danger to the public.
As the pursuit continued, deputies said they were preparing to terminate the chase due to safety concerns. Before that could happen, the SUV lost control and overturned in a rollover crash within a residential neighborhood.
An Arrest Without Further Incident
Video from the scene shows deputies approaching the overturned vehicle with weapons drawn and ordering the driver to raise his hands. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities identified the driver as 17-year-old Taylor Simpson, who had previously been reported missing by the Newnan Police Department. The sheriff’s office said Simpson was removed from the vehicle and did not suffer major injuries in the crash.
Charges Filed
Simpson was charged with multiple offenses, including speeding, reckless driving, running a stop sign, passing on a solid yellow line, driving without a valid license, and driving too fast for conditions. Additional charges include giving a false name to an officer, obstruction of an officer, theft by receiving stolen property, and fleeing or attempting to elude police. As with any pending case, particularly one involving a minor, these charges represent allegations that have not yet been proven in court.
Jail records show bond was set at $650 for each of six traffic charges, $1,300 for giving a false name, and $1,300 for obstruction, totaling $6,500. Simpson is currently being held in the Fayette County Jail without bond.