Arrest Made After High-Speed Pursuit in Hart County

HART COUNTY, Ga. — A 27-year-old Toccoa man was arrested early Saturday morning after deputies say he attempted to evade a safety checkpoint and led officers on a high-speed chase exceeding 115 mph.

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on December 6 at a checkpoint located at the intersection of Lavonia Highway and Junction 77 Road. Deputies reported that a blue 2005 Toyota 4-Runner tried to avoid the checkpoint by cutting through a nearby gas station.

When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver fled east on Lavonia Highway toward Lavonia, reaching speeds over 115 mph. Authorities say the driver then attempted a left turn onto Bartlett Road but missed the turn, running off the roadway and continuing across a field. Deputies pursued the vehicle down the slope of the field and were able to block it near a wood line.

The driver, identified as Jeffery Trent Harris, 27, of Toccoa, was taken into custody without further incident. Harris faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing, speeding, reckless driving, DUI, tampering with evidence, open container, and possession of marijuana. He was booked into the Hart County Jail.

Sheriff Chris Carroll commended the deputies involved for what he described as a quick and professional response.