A 28-year-old Clayton man faces numerous charges following a high-speed chase in Habersham and Stephens counties. A state trooper wrecked during the chase late Wednesday night, officials say.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the trooper tried to stop a black Chevrolet 2500 for speeding on US 441/GA 15 at the Habersham/Rabun County Line.
“The truck failed to stop and immediately accelerated to speeds above 100 mph,” says GSP Post 7 Commander Donnie Sadler. “The trooper pursued the vehicle south on GA 15 and attempted to perform a PIT Maneuver Technique. The trooper tried three more (PITs) which were all unsuccessful.”
On the last PIT attempt, Sadler says the trooper struck a concrete and stone mailbox with the front corner of his patrol car, disabling the officer’s vehicle.
The fleeing driver recovered from the maneuver and fled for approximately another ten miles into Stephens County before the truck became disabled. Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies, who had joined in the pursuit, arrested him without incident in the area of Yonah Dam Road near Toccoa and transported him to jail.
GSP identifies the driver as David Henry Diggs. Officers charged him with DUI, possession of meth, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and numerous traffic violations.
As of early Wednesday, Dec. 23, Diggs remained in the Habersham County jail pending a bond hearing.
“Neither the suspect nor the trooper was injured,” says Sadler. The patrol car sustained only light damage.
Sadler extends his gratitude to the Habersham, Stephens, and Oconee County, South Carolina, sheriff’s departments for aiding in Diggs’ arrest.
