Ryan Thomas Arnold, 18, of Euharlee, is facing multiple charges after authorities say he led a Bartow County deputy on a late-night pursuit that reached speeds of more than 130 miles per hour before ending in a crash.
According to information reported by WBHF Radio, the incident began when a Bartow County deputy observed a white BMW traveling on Rockmart Highway without its headlights and at what appeared to be a dangerously high rate of speed.
When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights and a siren, the driver allegedly accelerated instead of stopping. Authorities said the vehicle continued south on Rockmart Highway, passing several intersections while deputies pursued it toward the Polk County line.
The chase came to an end after the BMW turned onto Richland Drive and left the roadway, entering a ditch and becoming disabled. Deputies then took the driver into custody without further incident.
Emergency medical personnel were requested to evaluate him for possible injuries following the crash.
According to the report, Arnold later admitted that he had been speeding to impress friends who were also traveling along Rockmart Highway. He reportedly told authorities he decided not to stop once he noticed the deputy attempting to pull him over.
Officials said the pursuit covered nearly two miles and reached speeds in excess of 130 mph.
Arnold was transported to the Bartow County Jail and charged with felony attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, driving without required lights, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain lane and a seat belt violation.
