Alto man jailed after fleeing from police

A car tag violation lands an Alto man in jail after he refused to stop for police. Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith says one of his officers attempted to stop a Green Jeep Cherokee on Stonecypher Street around 9:30pm Monday for not having a tag. The Jeep Cherokee then turned onto Lee Street which ends at a dirt drive. Smith says, “The driver entered this drive and stopped after striking several trees.” The driver was evaluated by medical personnel but refused treatment. He was arrested without further incident.

The driver is identified as Dusty E. Banfield of Alto. He’s charged with fleeing and attempting to elude, driving on a suspended license and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Chief Smith says Banfield also had an active probation warrant from Habersham County.