High-Speed Pursuit Through Covington Ends With Arrest of Two Suspects

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 20 led to a multi vehicle pursuit through Covington and the arrest of two suspects, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, March 11th, a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic Unit observed a Genesis G70 sedan traveling about 20 miles per hour over the speed limit on Interstate 20 eastbound at approximately 12:15 p.m. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused and fled, leading to a pursuit.

Authorities said the pursuit left the interstate and continued onto Alcovy Road, where the driver struck a white SUV before leaving the scene and continuing south toward Elm Street and U.S. Highway 278.

While traveling on Pace Street, the suspect vehicle struck a pickup truck. Officials said no injuries were reported in either collision.

The pursuit ended in the parking lot of Covington Fire Station 21 when the driver and front seat passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies and officers with the Covington Police Department later located the two suspects hiding under the Cricket Frog Trail bridge near Emory Street and took them into custody.

Two passengers who had been sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle were detained at the scene but were later released.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies recovered a handgun that investigators believe belonged to the driver.

Nathan Roach, 24, of Norcross, was arrested and faces numerous charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless driving, aggressive driving and obstruction of law enforcement officers. Additional charges include multiple counts of leaving the scene of an accident, speeding, failure to yield and several other traffic violations.

Kemori Bigsby, 18, of Stone Mountain, was arrested and charged with willful obstruction of law enforcement officers and failure to wear a seat belt.

Authorities said both suspects are convicted felons.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Covington Police Department for assisting with the incident.