Bowman Man Charged in High-Speed Chase

By David Stephens, WSGC Radio, Elberton

In Elbert County, a Bowman man faces a list of charges after leading deputies on a high-speed chase.

It all went down last Friday when, according to Elbert County Sheriff Melvin Andrews,  25-year-old Aaron Jacob Johnson crossed into oncoming traffic just as a Sheriff’s deputy was coming in the opposite direction.  Andrews says the deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop on Hillard Road, but the suspect would not stop. 

“As they come to the intersection of Highway 172 West, the offender ran that stop sign turned on to 172 and at that time Mr. Johnson fled, and the officer chased him”, said Andrews.

As the chase continued, speeds on the rural back roads reached 80 miles per hours.  Andrews said eventually, Johnson lost control of his vehicle.

“The offender went into a yard after turning on Brickyard Road where he tried to turn around, and then he struck a tree on the property”, explained Andrews.

Johnson then bailed out and tried to run on foot, but was caught by the deputy and placed under arrest.  Andrews says that Johnson is facing a number of charges.

“Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana Less than 1oz, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Crossing Guard Line with Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, and Obstructing or Hindering Law Enforcement Officers”, said Andrews.

Additionally, Andrews said Johnson faces numerous traffic charges, including Improper Starting, Expired or No Registration, Driving on Wrong Side of Road, Reckless Driving, Too Fast for Conditions, Driving While Licensed Suspended, seven counts of Failure to Obey Stop Sign, and DUI Drugs. 

Johnson was taken to the Elbert County Detention Center and is out on bond.