A 47-year-old Rome woman is facing multiple serious charges after allegedly striking a man with her vehicle during a domestic-related incident on Highway 100. Authorities say the suspect, identified as Stephanie Lynn Harcourt, has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and failure to maintain lane, following an incident this week.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence at 13604 Highway 100 in reference to a person reportedly struck by a vehicle. While en route, dispatch informed responding units that the suspect was still on scene in the vehicle and the alleged victim had suffered a bleeding hand injury.
Upon arrival, deputies found two men in the driveway. One man had his hand wrapped in a shirt and appeared to be in pain. He stated that the suspect had left the scene moments earlier. According to statements given on-site, the incident began when the individuals approached the suspect — who had spent the night in her vehicle on the property — to ask for a ride to a bank in Rome. An argument reportedly followed.
One of the men, who also resides on the property, said tensions escalated when the suspect became irate after being awakened. A disabled man living on the property became upset during the confrontation and walked toward the highway. The witness followed but returned shortly after. As he walked back up the driveway, the suspect allegedly started her vehicle, accelerated, and struck him in the leg with the front of the car before fleeing north on Highway 100 at a high rate of speed.
A second witness on the property confirmed the account, stating that the woman “went crazy” and intentionally drove toward the man, striking him before speeding away.
A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued for the vehicle. Officers later located the suspect’s car on Highway 100 near John Bankston Drive and initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, deputies observed signs of impairment. Harcourt reportedly had bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, and was behaving in a loud and aggressive manner. She also showed signs of impaired driving, including failing to maintain her lane and crossing the double yellow line.
Harcourt was taken into custody and initially consented to a blood test under Georgia’s implied consent law, but later changed her mind during transport. She was booked into the Chattooga County Detention Center without further incident.
