Reckless Driver Endangers Lives in High-Speed Chase

McCaysville, Ga – High-speed chase that crossed state lines and reached speeds of 100+ mph and narrowly avoided bystander causalities ended in Shell and Dunkin Donuts parking lot.

Augustine Santiago, 51, sped down Blue Ridge Dr. in McCaysville when Officers Cory Collogen and Bill Higdon spotted him and began pursuit.

It’s unclear why Santiago was driving recklessly as no evidence of drugs or alcohol appeared at the scene. He was operating a vehicle with a suspended license, however.

Santiago, driving a tan Ford F150, picked up speed once Collogen and Higdon began their pursuit of the suspect.

To elude officers, Santiago plowed through his first of several intersections on West Tennessee Street. Collogen and

Higdon turned on their sirens and blue lights at this point before Santiago ran another light onto Ocoee St. in Copperhill and narrowly missed a White Jeep. He also disregarded the safety of pedestrians on the street and sidewalks.

Officers contacted Police Chief Michael Earley to obtain permission to continue pursuit across state and county lines as Santiago turned West onto Belltown Road. They pursued at speeds between 45 to 65 mph along Belltown and Airport Road.

Santiago failed to stop at any of the signs on Belltown, Airport, Pleasant Hill, and Wolfcreek Road. He continually weaved across lanes and drove down the center. Sometime during this point of the chase, officers moved in and obtained tag information to relay to dispatch.

Once reaching Hwy. 64 going toward Murphy, the suspect reached speeds of over 100 mph and periodically lost control of the vehicle before regaining control.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy Struchko and officer Dockery joined in the pursuit as Santiago blew through the Hwy. 19/129 intersection. Struchko took control of the chase at the Splash and Dash Car Wash, and Dockery deployed stop stick at the BB&T bank.

Struchko followed Santiago in the eastbound lane at speeds of 80 mph.

Santiago hit the stop sticks in front of BB&T. He lost control of the vehicle due to his two flat front tires. He veered into the Shell and Dunkin Donuts parking lot, just missing a red jeep in the Dunkin drive-thru.

After exiting his vehicle, Santiago attempted to flee on foot. Struchko drew his weapon and commanded Santiago to stop and lie on the ground. He obeyed, and McCaysville Officer Higdon handcuffed him at 8:51 p.m.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office took Santiago in for attempting to elude police, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. His bond is set at $5,000 and is awaiting a court date.