High-Speed Chase in Madison County Leads to Arrest of Jefferson Couple on Drug Charges

In Madison County, a Jefferson couple face multiple charges after leading authorities on a high-speed chase.

According to a report in the Athens-Banner Herald, 45-year old James Daniel Sanders fled from a license checkpoint Sunday at the intersection of Blacks Creek Church and Homestead Roads near Ila in Madison County.

Madison County Sheriff’s deputies were working a license checkpoint when Sanders’ car approached them.

Deputies say Sanders was stuttering and sweating as he explained he could not find his license.

When deputies asked him to pull off to the side of the road, he sped off instead with officers in pursuit.

The chase down Jot Em Down Road reached speeds of up to 80 miles an hour and then turned on to GA Highway 98 where deputies say Sanders crossed the center line and collided with a car traveling east.

Sanders and his passenger, identified as 24-year old Dawn Riffe also of Jefferson were arrested.

Inside Sander’s car, deputies found a half-pound of methamphetamine, two digital scales, a fully loaded double barrel Cobra .38-caliber handgun with the serial number scratched off, and $5,000 cash in Sanders’ pocket.

Sanders was charged with possession of a firearm during a crime, giving a false name, possession of drug related objects, possession of meth with intent to distribute, attempting to elude, weaving in the road, a seatbelt violation, reckless driving, failing to obey a stop sign, driving while his license was withdrawn and DUI.

Riffe was charged with possession of a firearm during a crime, possession of meth with intent to distribute, simple possession of marijuana and having an article with an altered identification.