THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TWIGGS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Twiggs County, GA — On March 6, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a patrol deputy with the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle parked at a closed gas station located off Sgoda Road. After running the vehicle’s tag through dispatch, the deputy determined the vehicle did not have valid insurance and initiated a traffic stop on the eastbound Interstate 16 ramp near the 12-mile marker.
The driver initially stopped but then fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Additional Twiggs County patrol deputies and members of the Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) quickly responded and assisted in the pursuit as it entered Interstate 16. During the pursuit, speeds reached approximately 130 miles per hour.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit and attempted to deploy spike strips as the suspect vehicle entered Laurens County; however, the suspect avoided the spikes and continued to flee. Deputies attempted to perform a PIT maneuver to safely end the pursuit. During the attempt, the suspect fired multiple rounds at deputies’ vehicles before regaining control of the vehicle and continuing eastbound on Interstate 16.
The pursuit continued into Treutlen County, where the suspect ultimately lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle overturned, bringing the pursuit to an end. The driver was taken into custody at the scene and transported for medical treatment with life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. Multiple agencies are currently assisting, and deputies remain on scene as the investigation continues.
The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia State Patrol, and all assisting agencies for their support and cooperation during this dangerous incident.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
