A Cornelia man faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through Habersham County New Year’s night.
The chase began when a Baldwin police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Charger Sunday night.
“The driver of the Charger crossed 441 southbound and entered the northbound lanes of 441 in a reckless manner, laying drags and driving at a high rate of speed,” says Baldwin Police Chief Chris Jones.
Chief Jones says the driver, later identified as Orlando Martinez Navarro, continued northbound on 441 at a “high rate of speed,” disregarding red lights and numerous traffic laws.
The pursuit continued through Demorest and Clarkesville.
“The officer lost visual contact with the vehicle on State Route 17,” says Jones. “The officer terminated the pursuit at that time.”
Baldwin police issued a lookout for the vehicle. A Habersham County deputy located the car at a residence at 184 Valley Village Court in Clarkesville.
Law enforcement impounded the car and used video camera footage from a Baldwin business to identify Navarro as the suspect driver. Police obtained warrants and arrested the 21-year-old on the evening of Monday, January 2.
Police charged Navarro with driving too fast for conditions/prima facie speed, driving without a license, improper starting, and reckless driving. They also charged him with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. The traffic violations are all misdemeanors, while the fleeing charge is a felony.
As of January 3, Navarro remained in the Habersham County Detention Center. No bond has been set.
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