Hart County Deputies Arrest South Carolina Man After High-Speed Chase Into I-85
HARTWELL, Ga. — A South Carolina man was arrested late Friday night after fleeing a traffic safety checkpoint and leading deputies on a pursuit into I-85 northbound.
Just before midnight on August 22, Hart County deputies were conducting a safety check at the new four-way stop on Lavonia Highway at Junction 77 Road and Providence Church Road when a white Honda Ridgeline fled the intersection. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, continuing onto I-85 toward South Carolina.
As deputies prepared to terminate the pursuit near the state line bridge, the Ridgeline struck another vehicle. Authorities reported only minor damage and no injuries.
The driver, identified as Michael Gibert, 53, of Anderson, S.C., was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Hart County Jail.
Gibert faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony Fleeing
- DUI
- Suspended License
- Reckless Driving
- Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana
- Open Container
- Speeding
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
In addition, Gibert was wanted on active warrants out of both Hart County and Anderson County, S.C.
The case remains under investigation.
