Simple seat belt violation leads to police chase, multiple charges

CLEVELAND, Ga. — What should have been a minor traffic stop for a seat belt violation last week led to a four-mile police pursuit and 18-year-old Dakota Summers being charged with more than 15 traffic violations.

White County deputy Christopher Casey observed Summers traveling east on Westmoreland Road in a black Ford Escape at approximately 4:37 p.m. and wearing no seatbelt. Casey activated his lights and siren but Summers refused to stop.

Casey continued the pursuit until Summers turned on to a graveled portion of Asa Dorsey Road and the vehicle began to kick up massive amount of dust and gravel. Casey was unable to keep up with the Escape due to losing visual contact.

While off duty the next day, Casey was notified the night shift deputies had made contact with Summers at 256 Lighthouse Way. Casey obtained a warrant, arrested Summers and transported him to the White County Detention Center.

In addition to the charge of driving without a seatbelt, he is charged driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, failure or attempting to elude a police officer, failure to maintain a lane seven times, failure to stop at a stop sign three times, speeding, passing in a no passing zone, and following another vehicle too closely.

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