The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Just after midnight on June 14, a 21-year-old man from Lawrenceville, Georgia, was driving a BMW down Interstate 85 with a toddler passenger. Officers from the Gwinnett Police Department were working at a security checkpoint watching for reckless drivers and people driving under the influence when they spotted the BMW. They reported that the driver was traveling over 100 MPH, and when they tried to perform a traffic stop, he did not pull over.
The driver reportedly increased his speed and eventually turned off his headlights in an alleged attempt to dodge the pursuing police. An aviation unit was sent to assist, and they were able to find the vehicle. The man soon pulled over and reportedly decided to continue his attempt to slip away from the authorities. When he got out of the car, he was seen carrying something as he ran away.
The police believed the man was trying to hail a rideshare service to pick him up, and when they caught up to him, they saw it was a 2-year-old child that he was holding.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of felony fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, speeding, unsafe lane change, driving without headlights, defective tires, operating unsafe vehicle, failure to obey traffic control device, child restraint violation, and duty upon striking fixture.
It was reported that the youngster was not hurt, and he was released into the custody of a family member. At this time, no information confirming the relationship between the man and the child has been disclosed.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.