FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Thursday, February 12, 2015
High Speed I-75 Pursuit Ends With Arrest of Same Defendant Arrested in 2013 I-75 Pursuit
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:
On Thursday, September 5th, 2013, a deputy sheriff attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle on I-75 (northbound) near Calhoun when the vehicle, a Hyundai ‘Sonata’ fled, leading the deputy and other officers on a high speed pursuit at speeds of over 100 miles per hour before crashing at the Highway 225 off ramp. The driver, Marcus Dewitt Smith, age 19, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was at that time being sought by Chattanooga/Hamilton County (Tennessee) authorities in connection with a homicide investigation. He was arrested and subsequently turned over to Tennessee authorities a few days later. In October, 2013, Smith was returned to Gordon County to face charges which stemmed from the September 5th (2013) pursuit. On March 7th, 2014, Smith was again released to Tennessee authorities.
On Wednesday, February 11th, (2015) the same deputy sheriff was on patrol on Interstate 75 near Resaca, when he attempted to stop a suspicious Hyundai ‘Sonata’. This vehicle fled northward on the interstate, leading Gordon County deputies, Whitfield County deputies, and State Troopers on a chase at speeds in excess of over 100 miles per hour. Near the Rocky Face Exit north of Dalton, a Whitfield County deputy sheriff successfully deployed road spikes and stopped the suspect car which left the roadway into the emergency lane as it’s tires deflated. The pursuit was terminated without injury or damage to any innocent motorists. The Gordon County deputy who had initially tried to stop the car was very surprised when the driver, Marcus Dewitt Smith said to him, “It’s me…”
Smith, now age 20, and still of Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee, was taken into custody without further incident and driven to the Gordon County jail where there was found an outstanding warrant (from Gordon County Superior Court) for his arrest for violation of probation. The warrant cited an arrest in Tennessee for a cocaine related charge, as well as failure to pay court imposed fines. Smith being held in jail pending bond proceedings.