NAHUNTA — What began as a routine traffic stop became a high speed chase through the city of Nahunta, ending with an arrest of a Nahunta man.
Tyler Andy Johns, 51, of Nahunta was cgarged with Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, Possession of Marijuana, Reckless Driving, Interference with Government Property, Brake Light/Turn Signal Violation, No Proof of Insurance and Affixing a License Plate with the Intent to Conceal the Identity of the Vehicle.
The Wednesday, October 30 incident began at approximately 7:30 p.m., when Nahunta City police officers observed a white Chevrolet Silverado on Morgan Street with a brake light violation.
The driver was signaled to pull over. Instead of complying, the Silverado accelerated away, leading police on a dangerous chase through the city.
Johns attempted to evade capture by turning west onto Highway 82 and later, by driving through residential yards, putting local residents at risk.
This led Nahunta Police officer Brandon Todd to end the dangerous chase by using a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver on Warren Street. Following the PIT maneuver, Johns surrendered peacably and without incident.
During his arrest, Johns was found to be in possession of marijuana. Further investigation also revealed the Silverado was operating with a suspended registration and a tag that did not match the vehicle’s VIN.
Johns was subsequently charged with multiple offenses. The Georgia State Patrol was called in to work the traffic investigation. The vehicle has been impounded.
“The Nahunta Police Department is committed to protecting the safety of the community and preventing dangerous driving behavior,” said Mayor Marty Lee.