A Cornelia man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase through the city in early March.
According to the Cornelia Police Department, Israel Vega Garrido, 24, was arrested on March 2 after leading police on a high-speed pursuit through several streets in Cornelia.
Police say the incident began around 11:30 p.m. when officers were patrolling the Red Fox Hollow Dr. area in search of a vehicle related to a shots-fired call.
While on patrol, an officer observed a white Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot of the Cornelia United Methodist Church on Wyly St.
The officer turned around and followed the vehicle, which authorities say matched the description of the BOLO vehicle.
The Silverado then made a series of erratic driving maneuvers, according to police, and failed to stop at several stop signs, prompting the officer to activate emergency lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
The officer pursued the Silverado and reached speeds of 80 mph on Wyly St. as the driver allegedly continued to disregard traffic laws, crossing over double yellow lines and swerving between lanes.
The pursuit continued on Chase Rd. and Fox Hollow Rd. before eventually heading back toward the Garrido’s residence on Red Fox Hollow Dr.
At the residence, police say Garrido attempted to exit the vehicle but was quickly detained after following the officer’s commands to lay on the ground.
Garrido, who authorities say appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, was placed in handcuffs.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a silver and black firearm on the floorboard. Garrido was charged with multiple offenses, including DUI, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and felony fleeing.
He was transported to the Cornelia Police Department and then the Habersham County Jail, where he was booked without incident.
