A high-speed chase that began in the area of Coffee High School and topped speeds at over 100 miles per hour Thursday night ended in the arrest of one man who now faces multiple charges.
Sheriff’s officials reported today that just before midnight Thursday, a Coffee County Deputy was patrolling in the area of Coffee High when he observed a dark-colored SUV traveling at a high rate of speed on Herbert Batten Road. The SUV, which was traveling towards the 206 Connector, allegedly then failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a guard rail. It then continued traveling towards Bowens Mill Road at a high rate of speed with the headlights off.
Authorities say as the deputy engaged his emergency lights and siren the, vehicle increased its speed and attempted to flee. The deputy pursued the vehicle, which crossed Bowens Mill Rd. to Rocky Pond Rd. It continued traveling down R.S. Brigmond Rd. to Warren Carter Rd. back to Highway 32 W. and headed east towards Douglas.
The vehicle reached speeds of 115 mph, as it ran cars off the road and drove in the wrong lane. Due to the dangerous situation, a decision was made to deploy stop sticks. As the vehicle entered the city limits of Douglas, it struck the stop sticks but continued traveling east at approximately 80 mph. The deputy continued to pursue the suspect vehicle and, at one point, the vehicle braked suddenly causing the deputy to strike the back of the SUV.
The chase eventually ended when the vehicle pulled into a parking lot and the passenger and driver fled on foot. Deputies pursued both individuals on foot and were able to apprehend the driver. The passenger, however, was able to elude officers.
The driver has been identified as Richard Morris Bennett, age 34, of 210 Weeks Rd. Bennett was charged with numerous offenses including DUI, driving with suspended or revoked license, fleeing or attempting to elude police officers, leaving the scene of an accident, obstruction of an officer, and numerous other traffic violations.