NEWNAN, GA – A high-speed chase on Interstate 85 involving a Meriwether County man ended in his arrest on serious drug charges, authorities said. The incident unfolded when Coweta County deputies pulled over a vehicle for improper tags and detected a strong marijuana odor emanating from the car.
The driver, identified as 32-year-old Ricky Bell Jr. from Gay, Georgia, initially cooperated with the deputies. However, instead of turning off the engine as instructed, Bell suddenly sped away, initiating a dangerous pursuit, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
During the chase, which reportedly exceeded speeds of 120 mph, Bell allegedly tossed bags containing a white powdery substance out of the car. Some of the substance struck the pursuing deputy’s patrol vehicle, officials said. The chase continued until Bell exited the interstate at Fairburn.
Authorities suspect the discarded substance was methamphetamine. The pursuit concluded after deputies executed a PIT maneuver, causing Bell’s vehicle to spin out. He then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly subdued by a deputy deploying a Taser.
Upon Bell’s arrest, deputies conducted a search of his vehicle, uncovering a stash of drugs and cash. The items seized included fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and approximately $5,000 in cash, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Bell faces multiple charges, including intent to distribute narcotics, fleeing, and attempting to elude law enforcement. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking along major highways.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, aiming to trace the origin and intended distribution network of the seized narcotics. This arrest is part of a broader effort to curb drug-related activities in the region.
The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office praised the deputies’ swift actions, which ensured public safety during the high-speed pursuit. The department reiterated its commitment to keeping the community safe from the dangers of drug trafficking.