Georgia State Patrol
A Clayton man was arrested with 48 charges following a high-speed chase with a Georgia State Patrol Trooper Dec. 22.
Around 9:40 p.m., a Trooper from Post 7 attempted to stop a black Chevrolet 2500, driven by David Henry Diggs, 28, of Clayton, for speeding on Ga. 15 at the Habersham/Rabun County line, according to a statement from GSP.
The truck failed to stop and immediately accelerated to speeds above 100 mph. The Trooper pursued the vehicle south on Ga. 15 and attempted to perform a PIT Maneuver Technique. The Trooper tried three more PITs which were all unsuccessful. On the last PIT attempt, the Trooper struck a concrete/stone mailbox with his front right corner causing his vehicle to become disabled, according to GSP.
Diggs then fled on numerous county roads into Stephens County. He fled for approximately another 10 miles and Habersham County Sheriff’s units pursued him before his vehicle became disabled, according to GSP.
Diggs was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on law enforcement; criminal interference with government property; obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers; theft by taking; tail lights/tail light lenses required; reckless driving; exhaust system violation; unsafe vehicle or equipment; DUI; hit-and-run-failure to stop and render aid; failure to report accident; aggressive driving; altered suspension; obscured or missing license plate; improper use of central turn lane; improper starting; obstructing traffic/FTY row; defective tires; affixing or removing of license plate in order to conceal; seat belt violation; failure to report striking fixed object; failure to obey stop sign; failure to signal lane change or turn-four counts; speeding in excess of maximum limits (state speed and zone limits); driving while license suspended or revoked; window tint violation; failure to maintain lane; improper left or right turn; improper U turn; failure to maintain insurance; improper passing on right; safe distance defined application to bicyclist; speed less than minimum; failure to obey signs or control devices; driving within a gore or median; following too closely; improper backing; failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicles; acquiring license plate to conceal vehicle identity-two counts; fleeing or attempting to elude police officer; driver to exercise due care; operating motor vehicle without having required decal affixed; too fast for conditions/prima facie speed; driving in violations of conditions of limited permit, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office arrest/booking report.
Neither the Trooper nor Diggs were injured during the incident.
Rabun County Sheriff’s Office deputies and K-9 Unit assisted Georgia State Patrol in helping track the suspect.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, and Oconee County Sheriff’s Office also assisted Georgia State Patrol.