Gainesville Man Charged With Hit and Run, Assault on Police Officer After Chase Through White County

CLEVELAND, Ga. – A Gainesville man, who led White County deputies on a wild chase in the Tesnatee Gap Valley Road area last Thursday and rammed their patrol cars in an attempt to escape, is being held on $46,000 bond in the White County Detention Center.

Jesse Laine Stafford, 29, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, hit and run, fleeing in an attempt to elude police officers, DUI, speeding and reckless conduct in addition to at least 10 other charges.

Deputies heard the screeching of tires and a loud bang then saw a black Hyundai speed past them, dragging a large clump of dirt and grass and failing to stop for a stop sign. They gave chase and before the chase ended, deputies say he rammed their car twice in an attempt to escape.

The chase came to an end on Sandy Flats Road and deputies ordered Stafford out of the vehicle and onto the ground. According to the report Stafford admitted smoking marijuana and methamphetamine earlier in the day.

A passenger in the car, 32-year-old Gina Marie Sweeny was not charged.

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