High-Speed Chase Through Two Counties Leads to Arrest of Two NC Men
Les Cory Peak
The Memorial Day weekend started with a high-speed chase for Franklin County and Banks County Sheriff’s deputies.
According to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, just after midnight Friday morning, his deputies tried to pull over a vehicle on I-85, but the driver sped off and a chase began reaching speeds of 120 mph.
“The vehicle exited I-85 on Highway 63/Martin Bridge. The vehicle continued driving in a reckless manner and continued to the intersection of 51 and 63,” Thomas said.
It then turned left on Highway 51 where Banks County Sheriff’s deputies joined in the chase.
The vehicle approached the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 51, where the driver attempted to strike a deputy’s patrol unit and then turned left onto Highway 51.
Thomas said the driver then turned right onto GA 15/Highway 441.
Braxton Jones
“Banks County units assisted in the chase and almost made contact with the vehicle,” Thomas said. “Officers continued down 51 until the vehicle made a right on 441 where Banks County officers performed a PIT maneuver and brought the vehicle to a stop and both occupants, the driver and passenger, were placed under arrest.”
After the vehicle came to a stop, Banks County and Franklin County deputies removed the passenger, identified as 20-year old Braxton Jones, of Hendersonville, NC.
According to Banks County Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt Carissa McFaddin, as deputies attempted to remove the driver, he began to become combative and tried to flee.
A Banks County deputy did tase the subject at which time he complied with law enforcement.
The driver is identified as 29-year old Les Corey Peak, also of Hendersonville, NC.
Thomas said both men face multiple charges in Franklin County.
“Mr. Peak is charged with DUI, suspened license, attempting to elude, failure to maintain lane, obstruction, failure to use turn signals, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, possession of drug-related objects, speeding, following too close, littering, reckless driving, using a cell device while driving,” Thomas said.
Jones was charged with obstruction, possession of drug-related objects, littering, seatbelt violation, open container.
Both Peak and Jones were transported to Franklin County Detention Center.
Peak also faces charges in Banks County, according to McFaddin.
There, Peak is charged with Aggravated Assault on an Officer and Obstruction.