Stolen Vehicle Pursuit on I-85 Ends With PIT Maneuver in Franklin County

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ga. – A pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended with a Georgia State Patrol trooper performing a PIT maneuver on Interstate 85 in Franklin County, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred Sept. 9 at approximately 10:30 a.m. when a Franklin County sheriff’s deputy spotted a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan traveling southbound on I-85 near mile marker 169. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Greenville County, South Carolina.

According to the sheriff’s office, Greenville County deputies had previously attempted to stop the vehicle after it was reported stolen, but the driver fled and entered I-85 toward Georgia.

The Franklin County deputy began following the vehicle and notified other deputies in the area. During the pursuit, the driver, later identified as Devonte Williams, allegedly began passing vehicles through the median, nearly striking multiple vehicles and creating a dangerous situation for other motorists.

The deputy activated his emergency equipment, but Williams allegedly failed to stop, initiating a pursuit southbound on I-85.

The Georgia State Patrol was called to assist. Near mile marker 155, a GSP trooper performed a PIT maneuver, bringing the pursuit to an end.

Williams was transported to the Franklin County Detention Center.

He was charged with multiple counts of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, theft by receiving stolen property and possession and use of drug-related objects.

Williams was also cited for driving under the influence, driving while his license was withdrawn and multiple other traffic violations.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office credited the Georgia State Patrol and Banks County Sheriff’s Office with assisting in bringing the pursuit to an end safely.