Matthew Harper

Name of Accused:
Harper, Matthew Eric

Date of Arrest:
08/24/2024


Charges For Arrest:
FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE A POLICE OFFICER FOR A FELONY OFFENSE
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHEN ENGAGED ON OFFICIAL DUTY (FELONY)
TRAFFIC/MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSE
TRAFFIC/OFFENSE
KNOWINGLY DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLE ON SUSPENDED, CANCELED, OR REVOKED REGISTRATION
TRAFFIC/MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSE
TRAFFIC/MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSE
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 August 24, 2024
at approximately 2100hrs I, Deputy J. Holmes observed a blue Ford Expedition traveling south on Broadway failing to dim the highbeam headlights for opposing traffic near Charlotte St. As the Expedition passed me, I observed that the tag light was not functioning as well. I turned around to stop the aforementioned vehicle and caught up at the Broadway/Guy Paine Rd red light. I checked the displayed Georgia tag “[REDACTED]” which returned to a blue 2003 Ford Expedition with canceled registration and no valid insurance coverage.
When the traffic signal turned green we turned left onto Guy Paine Rd and I initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Marion Ave. I signaled the driver to stop utilizing Bibb County Sheriff patrol vehicle 70845’s emergency blue lighting and audible siren equipment. The driver refused to stop and increased their speed to approximately 50-60mph through the Peach Orchard community.
While making his way to San Carlos Dr the white male driver kept opening his door attempting to jump out and flee on foot. Each time he did so, I positioned my vehicle near the driver door blocking his exit. Once he turned onto San Carlos Dr, he headed north towards Mead road disregarding the “road closed” signs. He then drove through the construction area on Mead Rd between San Carlos Dr and Broadway. After driving over the southbound curb on Mead Rd, the driver struck a stationary Bibb County Sheriff patrol vehicle, 70955 head-on which appeared to be intentional. Dep. J. Johnson was in vehicle 70955 and able to exit just before the collision occurred and sustained an unknown injury to his ankle causing severe pain and treatment at an area hospital. After the collision, the suspect male fled on foot from the Expedition and was immediately taken into custody by S.R.T. deputies on Mead Rd a short distance away.
During the pursuit, the white male suspect identified as Matthew Eric Harper disregarded stop signs, exceeded the 25mph speed limit in the Peach Orchard neighborhood and endangered his female passenger, [REDACTED] who stated that she pleaded with Harper to stop the vehicle. After Harper was taken into custody and there was order at the scene, [REDACTED] was released from custody and was offered medical screening by the EMS staff on scene. She refused treatment, gathered her belongings and left the scene on foot.
Harper was transported to Piedmont North hospital prior to the Bibb L.E.C. due to him being involved in a motor vehicle collision with airbag deployment and complaining of abdominal pain.
The accident was reported by Georgia State Patrol.
[End of Narrative]