Police pursuits are a part of being an officer of the law, and more often than not, such chases are started over a simple traffic offense. Many times, the criminal being pursued is often aware that they do not have a valid license or may have other warrants out for their arrest, prompting them to try and flee. At times, these pursuits can involve innocent bystanders and other motorists on the road. They can be injured during these pursuits, and at times, the officers involved in the pursuits are also injured. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reports on a chase that reached high speeds before the suspect was arrested.
On Saturday, just before 2 a.m., an Alpharetta Police officer’s radar clocked a Mercedes-Benz at 100 mph on Ga. 400 near Old Milton Pkwy.
The vehicle swerved around the officer and then slowed to about 65 mph. Another officer arrived to assist in a traffic stop and the Mercedes accelerated.
At times, the Mercedes was clocked at speeds in excess of 143 mph and moved into Sandy Springs and Roswell when the suspect exited the highway.
While being pursued, the suspect ran multiple stop signs and red lights. At times, the suspect also drove on the wrong side of the road.
Officers were able to end the pursuit when the suspect attempted to turn onto Rucker Road. The pursuing officer hit the suspect vehicle in the rear.
Both the officer and the suspect were taken for evaluation at a local hospital.
The suspect was identified as 49-year-old John Bolling. He is facing numerous charges, including speeding, reckless driving, driving without a license, and DUI. He is also wanted on an aggravated stalking warrant out of Forsyth County and a DUI out of Broward County Florida.
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