Trial Set for Atlanta Suspect in 2019 High-Speed Chase

An Atlanta man is expected to go to trial in Franklin County Superior Court later this month on charges stemming from a high-speed chase in 2019.

26-year-old Justin Demond Johnson of Atlanta is charged with Felony Fleeing Or Attempting To Elude A Police Officer, Felony Theft By Receiving Stolen Property, Obstruction Of An Officer,a Misdemeanor, and Giving False Information To A Law Enforcement Officer.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas on December 14, 2019 Georgia State Patrol and Frankin Co Sheriff’s deputies were notified that a white 2019 Nissan Altima had been stolen and that OnStar had notified Dispatch that the vehicle was traveling south on I-85 between mile marker 165 and Exit 164.

Thomas said the vehicle ran off the ramp at exit 164, and the driver, a black male, was seen by passersby running from the vehicle.

Witnesses told 911 that the suspect crossed the fence and ran into a field north of the interstate.

According to the Sheriff, his deputies also saw someone crossing the field and requested for K-9 units to assist.

Sheriff’s deputies then notified people living in the area of Highway 320 of the search.

Thomas said that according to Virginia authorities, Johnson was wanted there for murder, which turned out to not be true.

Deputies then saw a man matching the driver’s description walking along the side of I-85 southbound and he was taken into custody with a hold on him for Virginia authorities.

His trial is set for April 29 before Superior Court Judge Harvey Wasserman.