TOWNS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Page 3
Towns CountySheriff’s Office / 4070 Hwy 339
Young Harris, GA 30582
Phone (706) 896-4444
Fax (706) 896-3349
www.townscountysheriffsoffice.com
Press Release
Contact: Sheriff Chris ClintonPhone: (706) 896-4444 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2008
vehicle pursuit lands parolee back in jail
Hiawassee, ga, October 12, 2008: Mike Lee Russell, age 35, of Hampton, Georgia, is facing criminal charges after fleeing from police and finally wrecking his mother’s 2002 Dodge Pickup truck.
Russell was stopped at a traffic light directly in front of a Towns County Sheriff’s Deputy when he suddenly darted through the light for no apparent reason. It was later discovered that Russell was recently released from prison on parole, had no license as a habitual violator for DUI, and was intoxicated at the time.
Deputy Tracy James activated his lights in an attempt to stop the driver. The driver then darted through the parking lot of the Huddle House in Hiawassee at a high rate of speed nearly striking another vehicle. The driver then darted back out onto Highway 76, fleeing east.
Hiawassee City Police Officer Daniel Berrong was in his patrol car around the area of the Hiawassee Hardware when he heard what was happening and started in that direction. Upon meeting the city officer the truck swerved toward Officer Berrong’s patrol car. Officer Berrong had to leave the roadway, driving up onto the curb to avoid the collision.
Law enforcement officers pursued the vehicle at a high rate of speed, traveling eastward on Highway 76. Rabun County Sheriff’s Office was notified and stationed deputies at the county line with stop sticks.
The vehicle chase ended prior to reaching the county line, when Russell lost control of the truck and ran out of the roadway ending up on the passenger side over a slight embankment.
EMS was notified and responded. Russell was taken to Chatuge Regional E.R. and treated for minor injuries.
According to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the incident is still under investigation. Russell is said to be facing charges for DUI, reckless driving, fleeing and attempting to elude police, aggravated assault on a police officer, driving while a habitual violator, failure to obey a traffic control device, and two counts of obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Information from the Georgia Department of Corrections website suggests Russell committed the crimes of DUI/habitual violator on June 30, 2006 in Henry County. Russell was released from the Burruss Inmate Boot Camp on September 10, 2007.