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Driver wanted after running across Downtown Connector following 140 mph chase

GSP said the vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic and darting across all lanes of the interstate - all while reaching speeds of 140 mph.
Credit: WXIA

ATLANTA — Authorities are looking for a driver who they say ran across several lanes of the busy Downtown Connector to escape following a high-speed chase. 

According to the Georgia State Patrol, a trooper was stopped in the HOV entrance ramp to I-75 south from Akers Mill Road when he spotted two speeding vehicles. GSP said the cars appeared to be racing. 

The trooper followed the vehicles, and caught up to one of them - a black Jeep Cherokee SRT - but the car did not stop. 

The trooper followed the Jeep down I-75, as it reportedly reached speeds of at least 140 mph. GSP said the vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic and darting across all lanes of the interstate.

The chase continued until it reached the Connector, but GSP said the Jeep was forced to slow down because of heavier traffic.

As the chase approached North Avenue, GSP said the Jeep veered to the left, into traffic, but then attempted to travel back to the right. After the suspect vehicle and the trooper's patrol car made contact twice, the chase finally ended on I-75/85. 

However, in order to get away, GSP said the driver jumped out of the car and ran across several north and southbound of I-75/85. The trooper tried to follow the driver, but could not continue. He returned to the Jeep, where a passenger remained. The trooper took them into custody.

GSP said the driver has not been found, yet, but he has been positively identified as the registered owner of the Jeep. The trooper will be seeking warrants for his arrest. 

Meanwhile, the passenger has been charged for riding with no seatbelt and violating the Georgia Controlled Substance Act after the trooper reportedly found illegal prescription pills and a bag of marijuana. A firearm, reportedly stolen out of Clayton County, was also found under the front driver's seat, as were a number of cell phones and two fake driver's licenses.

No one was hurt during the chase.

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