The driver of a 2002 Suzuki motorcycle who led police on a high-speed chase through Floyd and Chattooga Counties this morning was on his way to get his motorcycle license, authorities said.
“There were no warrants out, no alcohol involved,” said Georgia State Patrol Trooper Joseph Hobbs. “He said he was 10 minutes late for an appointment here, at the post, to get his Class M license.”
Justin Patterson, 22, of 735 Roland Hayes Parkway in Calhoun was clocked at speeds of up to 154 miles per hour in Floyd County and more than 130 miles per hour in Chattooga County, Hobbs said.
Patterson was taken to the Chattooga County Jail after Hobbs and Trooper David Allen stopped him in a cul-de-sac near Richard B. Russell Regional Airport.
Patterson was charged with reckless driving, speeding 130 mph in a 55 mph zone, fleeing or attempting to elude police, failure to maintain a lane, leaving the scene of an accident and passing in a no-passing zone, according to Chief Investigator Eddie Colbert.
Hobbs said Patterson also will face state and Floyd County charges when he is released from Chattooga custody. For the complete story, see Thursday’s Rome News-Tribune.
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