Short chase ends when vehicle is abandoned, crashes in Bonaire

WARNER ROBINS -- A short chase early Sunday morning ended in a crash when the moving vehicle was abandoned.

No one was hurt in the 1:30 a.m. incident, and the suspects remain at large.

The three-mile chase ensued on Ga. 96 near Moody Road when the driver of a red 1998 Honda Passport failed to pull over for Trooper Mark Smith, who had turned on his lights and sirens, said Georgia State Patrol Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Zion.

The trooper attempted to stop the driver on a tag light violation and for failing to maintain the lane. The chase ended at 221 Old Perry Road when the occupants jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot. The vehicle rolled through a wooden privacy fence and crashed into a tree line north of the residence, according to a Houston County Sheriff’s Office report.

The vehicle was not reported stolen by the owner, who did not know who was driving the vehicle, Zion said.

Authorities are attempting to confirm the identities of the suspects and locate them, she said. Charges are pending.

“We have a pretty good idea who they are,” Zion said.

The trooper’s car sustained minor damage when the driver of the vehicle being chased hit the brakes at some point, and the trooper struck the back of the vehicle, Zion said.

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559.

This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Short chase ends when vehicle is abandoned, crashes in Bonaire ."