An investigation is underway into the death of a woman who was found dead near a wrecked car matching the description of one involved in a chase with Banks County sheriff’s deputies Saturday morning.
BANKS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (BCSO) NEWS RELEASE:
“(About 2:00 a.m.) deputies with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a routine patrol on I-85 NB between mile markers 149 and 154, when they observed a vehicle, a white Kia passenger car, failing to maintain its lane of travel. Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle driver failed to yield and began to flee, leading authorities on a brief pursuit.
During the pursuit, the vehicle exited I-85 NB at mm 154 onto Hwy 63, ran through the roundabout on Hwy 59, and traveled south on Hwy 59 towards GA-15/Hwy 441. As deputies continued their attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver crossed into oncoming traffic numerous times. As the pursuit approached the intersection of GA-15/Hwy 441, the driver failed to stop at the red light and turned left onto GA-15/Hwy 441 traveling southbound in the northbound lanes continuing into Jackson County.
The deputies lost visual contact with the vehicle right before Hwy 326. In response, a multi-agency BOLO was dispatched. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Commerce Police Department canvassed the area to locate the vehicle but were unsuccessful. Patrol deputies documented the pursuit and resumed patrol assignment in Banks County.
Later that afternoon, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a vehicle matching the pursuit vehicle was located approximately 100 yards off the roadway, in the area of the intersection of Hwy 98/Hwy 441. Upon further investigation, the Commerce Police Department advised a female was discovered deceased near the vehicle. The Georgia State Patrol was contacted by the jurisdictional agency to conduct the investigation.”