Monday, June 30, 2025–6:00 p.m.

-WBHF Radio-

A vehicle pursuit in Bartow County on Sunday night culminated in a fatal accident involving a hit-and-run suspect.

The Emerson Police Department received an all-points bulletin for a gray Mercedes involved in the initial incident in Cherokee County earlier that day. At around 8:00 P.M., an Emerson officer spotted a Mercedes that matched the description and license plate on Red Top Mountain Road. The officer attempted to pull the vehicle over as it entered the I-75 Northbound Ramp.

However, the driver of the Mercedes accelerated, fleeing from the officer at speeds exceeding 130 mph. The chase continued north on I-75, with the driver reportedly driving recklessly, speeding, and weaving in and out of traffic. According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, as the pursuit passed the Cassville White road exit, the lead officer from Emerson attempted a PIT maneuver, but it was unsuccessful.

The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the pursuit. The chase continued as it approached the State Route 140 exit in Adairsville when the driver of the Mercedes reportedly made an improper lane change, moving from the left lane to the far right lane. During this lane change, the Mercedes struck a 2014 Nissan Sentra from behind. Following the impact, the Mercedes veered off the roadway and rolled over multiple times. The driver of the Nissan lost control and collided with the guardrail in the center median of I-75.

A helicopter airlifted the driver of the Mercedes to Kennestone Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Nissan reported no injuries.

The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team from Troop A responded to assist with the investigation. The crash caused the blockage of the two left lanes for several hours. Authorities will release the suspect’s identity once they have successfully notified his family.