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October 6, 2009

Chase hits 125 mph

Melissa McClendon

Locust Grove Police Officers were involved in a high speed pursuit that hit speeds over 120 miles per hour in the early morning of Sunday, Sept. 20. Officer Terry Springwater arrested 18-year-old Matthew Helton of Peggs for driving under intoxication, attempting to elude, resisting arrest and reckless driving.

Springwater said the police department received a call about a white Monte Carlo driving past a house. The caller reported the driver was screaming at a lady on her porch. Springwater said he spotted the vehicle at Kum & Go and as the vehicle began to pull away, the driver hit the curb. Springwater then attempted to do a traffic stop near the entrance of the Cherokee Turnpike just south of Locust Grove. 

Officer Nate Cooper was also on hand to assist in the stop. Springwater said he approached the car on the driver’s side while Cooper was approaching on the passenger side. As the officer got close to the vehicle the driver accelerated heading south on Highway 82.

The officers chased the suspect from the turnpike entrance to Ear Bob Road. Springwater said he hit 125 miles per hour during the chase. During the

pursuit, the driver lost control of the Monte Carlo and hit a guard rail at 100 miles per hour. 

MESTA responded but Helton refused medical treatment. Springwater said the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was not injured.

When the officers took the driver back to the police department Springwater said Helton would not cooperate.

“He wouldn’t cooperate and wouldn’t give any information on book-in,” Springwater.

When officer Springwater went to put the teen in the jail, Helton began to resist. 

“He kicked my leg out from under me and we spilled to the floor,” said Springwater. 

Helton was then charged with assault and battery on a police officer. 

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