Dashcam footage recorded an incident in which a stolen SUV, driven by a 17-year-old male, raced through a residential area in Georgia, pursuing a leading deputy at speeds reaching 115 miles per hour before ultimately rolling over.
Released by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the video shows the teen ignoring stop attempts by deputies and careening down a busy road, even entering oncoming traffic during the pursuit.
It all started around 2:45 p.m. on January 21 when deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in Newnan, located about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. Lt. Josh Akin heard the call and began looking for the red SUV.
After witnessing the red SUV zoom past him and Deputy Sheriff Nelson near Antioch Road, the driver evaded traffic stops and accelerated dangerously, police reported.
The dashcam video captures the stolen vehicle swerving into oncoming lanes, hitting speeds over 115 mph on a narrow, winding road.
Officers expressed their concerns about the “extreme danger” posed to the public and were contemplating ending the pursuit just as the car lost control and flipped.
Following the crash, video shows officers surrounding the overturned SUV with their weapons drawn, instructing the driver to raise his hands before taking him into custody.
Authorities arrested 17-year-old Taylor Simpson after the incident. Notably, Simpson had been reported missing by police in Newnan. The sheriff’s office confirmed that he was removed from the vehicle without severe injuries.
According to jail records, Simpson faces several charges including multiple traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, and more, in addition to providing a false name to police, interfering with law enforcement, theft of a stolen vehicle, and attempting to elude officers.
Bail for six traffic-related charges is set at $650 each, with an additional $1,300 for giving a false name, and another $1,300 for interfering with an officer. This brings his total bail to $6,500; however, he remains in custody at the Fayette County Jail without bail.
