Name of Accused:
Segars, Austin Chance
Date of Arrest:
10/10/2024
Charges For Arrest:
DRIVING ON WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD
FAILURE TO DIM HEADLIGHTS
FAILURE TO STOP FOR STOP SIGN
FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE A POLICE OFFICER – FELONY
HIT AND RUN; DUTY OF DRIVER TO STOP AT OR RETURN TO SCENE OF ACCIDENT
KNOWINGLY DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLE ON SUSPENDED, CANCELED, OR REVOKED REGISTRATION
PURCHASE, POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, OR SALE OF MARIJUANA
RECKLESS DRIVING
TAIL LIGHTS REQUIRED
WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – MISDEMEANOR
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On October 10, 2024
I was on Foote McClellan Road in reference to a suspicious silver car being driven up and down the road and unlicensed driver according to the caller. While traveling towards Jack Sharp Rd on Foote McClellan Road, I observed a vehicle approaching me in the road that had not dimmed their headlights. I dimmed mine several times but the vehicle refused to dim theirs. Once the vehicle passed me I observed through my side mirror the vehicle turn off his rear lights, I could not see the vehicle at all nor could I see a tag. I maneuvered my patrol vehicle wound in attempts to catch up. Approaching McCannon Road I observed the vehicle begin to rapidly accelerate away from me and driving in the center of the roadway. I then activated my emergency blue light to initiate a traffic stop. I advised Madison County Dispatch I was in a vehicle pursuit. The listed car did not have a tag on the vehicle.
The pursuit began as the vehicle turned right from Foote McClellan Rd. onto Jones Matthews Rd, not signaling its turn or stopping at the stop sign. The vehicle traveled down Jones Matthew Rd at speeds reaching 95 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. Once at the intersection of Jones Matthews Rd and Diamond Hill Colbert Rd the listed vehicle continued straight onto C and D Farm Rd. without slowing down for the stop sign or checking for oncoming vehicle. At the end of C and D Farm Rd the listed vehicle began wrecking and getting sideway but was able to recover making a right turn on Moriah Church Rd then left onto Diamond Hill Colbert Rd. I was only able to see one male inside the vehicle. While on Diamond Hill Colbert Rd, speeds reached 95 mph and the vehicle was traveling on the wrong side of the roadway. Approaching a sharp turn the vehicle lost control going through the yard of [100 BLOCK] N 1st St damaging a rock wall before coming to a stop in the bushes.
The driver immediately bailed before the vehicle had come to a stop. I observed the driver to be a white male with a beard began fleeing on foot behind several residence. I gave chase and was able to keep the male in sight. While chasing behind a residence I noticed a passenger get out of the vehicle and flee on foot. I was able to keep up with the driver and draw my department issued taser (#X29006h9h) giving verbal commands for the male to stop running. I was able to deploy my taser to prevent further escape of my suspect. The suspect later identified as Austin Seagers began pulling a lead out and trying to stand back up as he is reaching into his pocket. After not following commands to keep his hands out of his pockets Austin continued to reach and was tased for an additional 5 second cycle. After a brief struggle Austin was taken into custody.
Austin was checked for injuries, no complaints other than where he was tased. Nothing was located on his person. Austin was read his Miranda warning and agreed to speak to me without an attorney present. I asked Austin why he ran and who might be the passenger. He stated is name was Landon Hardman. He was described to be wearing blue jeans, white t-shirt and baseball cap. Austin stated he did not know why he fled from me and appeared to get very emotional. An inventory of the vehicle was conducted where a gray back pack was located in the driver seat. Inside contained a clear plastic bag with a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana and a black digital scale. Nothing else was located.
After a of the area deputies made with Landon on Colbert Danielsville. He was taken into custody when I pulled in. I asked Landon if he wished to speak to me without an attorney present, he responded no. No further questions were asked. Next list Seymour’s was ed to remove the vehicle. All evidence was secured and placed into evidence.
[End of Narrative]