Suspect Jumps Into Lake Hartwell After High-Speed Chase in Northeast Georgia

LAVONIA, Georgia – The Lavonia Police Department assisted the Georgia State Patrol Sunday during a high-speed pursuit involving a vehicle reported stolen out of Hart County.

According to authorities, the pursuit began near Georgia Highway 17 and Pleasant Hill Road with troopers leading the chase.

Investigators said speeds exceeded 100 mph as the vehicle traveled along Gerrard Road and Georgia Highway 328, also known as Gumlog Road.

While attempting to navigate the bridge curve over Lake Hartwell, the suspect vehicle lost control and crashed into a guardrail, authorities said.

The driver, identified as 29-year-old Shawn Mays of Gumlog, allegedly fled on foot before jumping into Lake Hartwell in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Law enforcement agencies quickly established a perimeter around the area while officers from the Lavonia Police Department and the Hart County Sheriff’s Office used a civilian boat to safely take Mays into custody in the lake.

Authorities said criminal charges are being handled by the Georgia State Patrol and the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials praised the coordinated response between agencies that helped bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion.