According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident, On July 11th, 2023, at 8:50 PM, Deputy Smith and Deputy Bell were dispatched to a BOLO for a female who was in a 2013 black Cadillac heading north on Highway 27 passing McDonald’s in Summerville. Deputy Smith reported, “As [I] was driving South on Highway 27 in Trion, [I] passed a vehicle that fit the vehicle’s description at Walmart. I then proceeded to turn around to attempt to stop the vehicle, and then [I] saw the vehicle turn left onto Selman Drive, and as [I] turned onto Selman Drive, [I] then observed the vehicle turn into the parking lot of Peach State Federal Credit Union and then turn back out onto Highway 27 heading South as [I] turned back onto Highway 27 [I] observed the vehicle passing Walmart and as [I] was attempting to catch up to the vehicle [I] observed the vehicle swerving in and out of lanes of traffic and [I] was exceeding 80 MPH while attempting to catch the vehicle. [I] caught up to the vehicle just before Auto Zone on Highway 27 and attempted to conduct a traffic stop as the vehicle then swerved over into the slow lane, nearly hitting a Blue early 2000’s model Chevy Blazer in front of the Circle K on Highway 27.” At this point, Deputy Smith advised that he was in pursuit. The vehicle then continued Highway 27, passing Advanced Auto Parts and at the intersection of Commerce Street at Kelly Street. The vehicle attempted to stop in the middle of the intersection and then continued and turned onto Favor Street off Commerce Street. Deputy Bell and Deputy Smith got the vehicle, and the driver stopped. The driver, identified as Maranda Jo Nelms, 44, of Summerville, was taken into custody. Deputies observed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Nelms. She advised she had been drinking before driving. Nelms was read Implied Consent and refused. She was transported to Chattooga County Jail and charged with fleeing, DUI, driving without a valid license, reckless driving, failure to maintain single lane, and felony probation violation.
Unlicensed drunk driver violates probation after high-speed chase on Highway 27 in Chattooga County
