High-speed Chase Through Stephens, Franklin Counties Ends in Arrest

A high-speed chase late Friday night through Stephens and Franklin Counties ended in the arrest of a man wanted in Hart County.

According to a report on Access North Georgia, the chase began about 11p in Toccoa where the driver of a Mustang,  identified as Christopher Eugene Hatcher, 29 of Toccoa, was clocked by troopers with the Georgia State Patrol going 94 in a 55 on the 17 Bypass.

The troopers initiated a traffic stop on the Mustang, which acted as if it was going to stop, but when a second trooper pulled alongside the car, the driver turned across the median and fled.

The chase reached speeds of 125 to 130 mph down SR17 towards Lavonia, but finally, troopers saw an opportunity to use the PIT maneuver to spin out the fleeing Mustang on 17 in Avalon, bringing the chase to an end.

Once the car was stopped, troopers discovered Hatcher had a pregnant woman and a 7-year old boy in the vehicle with him.

Authorities say Hatcher has numerous suspensions and outstanding warrants against him out of Hart County.

Hatcher was arrested and charged with 20 traffic violations including, driving under the influence,  DUI alcohol,  three counts of speeding, two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and cruelty to children by causing excessive physical or mental pain in the first degree.

Hatcher is being held on $18,500 bond at the Stephens County Detention Center.