2 arrested after 131 mph chase in Habersham, deputies say

FILE PHOTO (NowHabersham.com)

A biker allegedly led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Habersham County early Monday. The chase stretched over 18 miles and at times topped speeds of 131 mph, deputies say.

Officers arrested Keandra Sanford, 26, of Lagrange after he crashed the Honda CBR 600 he was driving into the back of a patrol car.

The chase began just after midnight when 911 Dispatch notified Habersham deputies of a failed traffic stop in Hall County. A deputy there reported he attempted to stop a motorcycle with no tail lights or tag, but the biker got away.

A Habersham County deputy picked up the pursuit near Kudzu Hill, south of Duncan Bridge Road. Two other deputies joined in as the pursuit made its way up the highway into Demorest.

According to the incident report, the officers attempted multiple rolling roadblocks. The chase ended south of Talmadge Drive near Hollywood when Sanford crashed into the back of one of the patrol vehicles.

After wrecking, deputies say Sanford “bailed on foot” and ran southbound on GA 365 toward the guardrail. The officers apprehended him. Sanford reportedly refused medical treatment and was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center.

Deputies obtained warrants on Sanford for obstruction and fleeing from law enforcement. They also cited him for multiple traffic offenses including reckless driving, classes of license, following too closely, tag light requirements, tail light requirements, defective tires, speeding, and obscured tag.

According to the sheriff’s office, Sanford also has an active felony probation warrant out on him in Troup County.

Deputies also arrested Leigha Anglin Fausz, 38, of Fort Valley, Alabama, in connection with the incident.

According to a supplemental incident report Now Habersham obtained through an open records request, Fausz is Sanford’s girlfriend. She was a passenger in a van carrying five people that pulled up to the scene of the crash shortly after it happened. Deputies say Fausz appeared to be under the influence of drugs. After getting the driver’s permission to search the van, officers say they found a lunch box containing several small plastic bags of suspected meth and heroin.

Deputies charged Fausz with trafficking meth, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug-related objects.

As of Tuesday afternoon, both Fausz and Sanford remained in the Habersham County jail without bond.

This article has been updated with additional information