Canon Man Charged in Friday’s Four-Vehicle Wreck Near Royston

The Hartwell Post of the Georgia State Patrol says a Canon man was driving under the influence Friday when he caused a four-car wreck that injured everyone involved.

It happened just after 4p Friday afternoon on SR17 just outside of Royston.

According to troopers on the scene, a 2001 Chevy Suburban SUV driven by 37-year old Jason Stowe of Canon, was traveling south on SR17 when it rear-ended a 1994 Chevy C-1500 pick up that was slowing down to turn onto Old Royston Road.

The impact shoved the C-1500 into the northbound lane of SR17 where it struck an oncoming 1995 Ford Conventional truck in the right front fender.

That impact shoved the Ford into a fourth car, a 2001 Chevy Lumina that was stopped at the intersection of Old Royston Rd and SR17.

Stowe was seriously injured and taken to Athens Regional Medical Center.

The driver of the Chevy C-1500 is identified as Stephen Bailey of Lavonia. Bailey was also seriously injured and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The driver of Ford Conventional truck is identified as Wayman Earls of Martin.  Earls suffered minor injuries and drove himself to the hospital for treatment.

Troopers say the driver of the fourth vehicle, the Chevy Lumina, is identified as Cory Pulliam of Canon. Pulliam was taken by EMS to St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia.

No word on the current condition of any of the drivers.

SR17 was blocked in both directions until after 9p Friday night while troopers investigated the scene and crews cleared the wreckage.

Stowe has been charged with following too closely, driving while license suspended or revoked, driving in violation of conditions of a limited permit, driving under the influence, and possession of open container in vehicle passenger area and not wearing a seatbelt.

All of the charges are misdemeanors.