Fayette County, Georgia — A routine traffic stop in Fayette County escalated into a high-risk pursuit on rural roads and busy shopping corridors after deputies say 24-year-old Rashad Spann refused to comply with instructions and instead sped away, triggering an urgent and fast-moving law enforcement response.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially pulled Spann over for a traffic violation. What began as a standard stop swiftly turned chaotic when Spann allegedly hit the gas, fleeing the scene and setting off a tense chase across multiple types of terrain.
Deputies trailed the vehicle as it moved onto isolated gravel roads, kicking up dust and posing additional dangers to deputies following closely behind. The pursuit then returned to paved streets, placing officers back into heavier traffic conditions. Sheriff Barry Babb later explained that deputies were closely evaluating the risk as the chase moved toward a populated commercial district.
PIT Maneuver Used Before Secondary Collision
With the fleeing car heading into a high-traffic shopping area, deputies made the decision to bring the pursuit to a controlled end. Officers executed a PIT maneuver, striking the rear of Spann’s vehicle to force it to spin and stop.
But moments after the maneuver was executed, another vehicle collided with Spann’s car, adding another layer of danger to an already volatile situation. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported as a result of the secondary crash.
Body camera footage released by the Sheriff’s Office shows Spann immediately jumping from the disabled vehicle and attempting to run. Deputies say he was allegedly carrying more than three pounds of marijuana while fleeing on foot. A rookie deputy, only months into the job, sprinted after Spann and successfully apprehended him.
Suspect Already Wanted on Prior Charges
Sheriff Babb confirmed that Spann was already wanted on earlier charges, which heightened deputies’ urgency during the chase. Authorities did not immediately detail the previous charges but emphasized that Spann’s background contributed to the seriousness of the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that additional evidence was recovered during the arrest, though investigators have not yet released further specifics pending case review.
Extensive List of Charges Filed
For the events of the Fayette County pursuit, Spann is now facing a significant list of new charges. These include:
- Felony fleeing and attempting to elude
- Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Hit-and-run
- Multiple drug-related offenses
Deputies noted that the large quantity of drugs Spann allegedly carried suggests intent to distribute, though formal trafficking charges will depend on prosecutorial review.
Sheriff Praises Rookie Deputy’s Actions
Sheriff Barry Babb commended the rookie deputy who chased and detained Spann, highlighting the deputy’s professionalism, quick instincts, and calm under pressure during the chaotic moments after the crash.
“He showed exceptional composure for someone so new to the job,” Babb said, emphasizing that the encounter could have been far more dangerous if not for the coordinated actions of the deputies involved.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Local residents expressed concern about the speed and intensity of the chase, especially as it moved toward a crowded commercial zone. Sheriff Babb defended the deputies’ decisions, explaining that the pursuit was actively monitored and ultimately ended through a controlled tactic to prevent greater public risk.
Authorities say the case remains under investigation, with body camera footage and witness statements being reviewed as prosecutors prepare formal filings.
Did deputies handle the situation appropriately? How should law enforcement respond when routine stops escalate? Share your thoughts in the comments — let your voice be heard!
