Suspect jumps into Lake Hartwell after stolen vehicle pursuit

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ga. — A Lavonia man accused of stealing a vehicle led Georgia State Patrol troopers on a high-speed pursuit Sunday before crashing near Lake Hartwell and attempting to escape by swimming into the lake, authorities said.

According to the Georgia State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies, a white 2017 Subaru Outback was reported stolen early Sunday morning, May 24, in the Ridge Road area of Hart County. A lookout was issued to surrounding agencies.

High-speed chase ends in lake

Just after noon, a trooper with Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell located the stolen Subaru on Georgia Highway 17 in Lavonia and attempted a traffic stop near Pleasant Hill Road.

Authorities said the driver fled, leading troopers on a pursuit that exceeded 100 mph along Gerrard Road and Georgia Highway 328. The pursuit ended when the driver lost control of the vehicle in a curve, ran off the road, and struck a guardrail at the bridge on Gumlog Road. Investigators said he then ran from the vehicle and jumped into Lake Hartwell in an attempt to evade capture.

“The driver fled the scene on foot, jumped into Lake Hartwell, and began swimming to the middle of a nearby cove,” said GSP Post 52 Sgt. Ray Dean. “After setting up a perimeter, a Hart County Deputy and a Lavonia Police Officer utilized a local citizen’s boat to secure the suspect from Lake Hartwell.”

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Shawn Austin Mays. He was transported to St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries before being taken into custody.

Mays faces multiple charges

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Mays has been charged with felony theft by taking and felony entering auto. Additional charges, including felony fleeing and attempting to elude, along with several traffic offenses, are being filed by the Georgia State Patrol in Franklin County.

The Georgia State Patrol said Post 52 troopers appreciated the assistance of the Franklin County resident who provided the boat used during the apprehension.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources also assisted with the incident.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.