According to a Georgia State Patrol incident report, On December 28th, 2022, at 4:23 AM, while sitting stationary on I-75 northbound near mile marker 343, TFC2 Trooper Emilee Shackleford observed a black 2016 Acura TLX traveling northbound in the left lane at a high rate of speed. Trooper Shackleford reported, “[I] activated my rear radar antenna for the same direction. The radar displayed a speed of 92 miles an hour. The posted speed limit was 70 miles per hour. [I] activated my blue lights and siren, initiating a traffic stop. I[ ]observed that the vehicle was continuing to speed up and was increasing the distance between our vehicles. Near mile marker 344 [I] informed Troop A dispatch the vehicle was initiating a pursuit. [I] observed the vehicle make multiple improper lane changes around traffic while failing to signal. The vehicle continued to travel in a reckless and erratic manner, reaching speeds well over 140 miles per hour.” Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Harris was sitting stationary on I-75 northbound near mile marker 346 on the left shoulder and entered the roadway, activating his emergency equipment. The driver of the Acura, later identified as Matthew Joseph Thompson, 23, of Columbus, Ohio, stopped on the right shoulder of I-75 northbound near mile marker 347. Trooper Shackleford and Deputy Harris took Thompson at gunpoint and conducted a felony traffic stop. Thompson complied with all commands and was taken into custody. Trooper Shackleford reported, “[I] asked the driver why he did not stop. The driver advised that he knew he was driving too fast, and he did not want a ticket.” Thompson was transported to the Catoosa County Jail, charged with felony fleeing, speeding, reckless driving, and improper lane change.
Ohio man arrested after attempting to flee from GSP trooper at 140 mph on I-75 in Catoosa County
