CAIRO- A Cairo man was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-vehicle accident while fleeing from police, attempting to stop the driver for reckless driving and suspected driving under the influence.

According to reports, CPD officers were dispatched to a reckless driver in the area of U.S. Hwy 84 and 5th St. NE on December 22, 2024, at approximately 7:11 p.m.

While en route to the reckless driver, E-911 received a second call about the driver. However, the driver was now on Long Branch Church Rd. , passing the Sheriff’s Office. E-911 reported that the caller stated the driver was all over the road and almost struck two cars head-on Additional officers were dispatched, and the caller stayed on the phone until officers arrived on the scene.

Officer Austin Asbell responded and observed the driver failing to maintain their lane, crossing the double yellow line into oncoming traffic, and crossing the fog line onto the grassy shoulder.

Asbell activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop on the driver’s pickup truck. However, the driver continued to travel north, weaving left and right, before abruptly breaking and pulling over on Hwy. 111 N.

Asbell then began to exit his patrol car to approach the driver. But the driver then accelerated, causing the rear of the truck to gyrate and nearly lose control. The driver then re-entered the roadway and began traveling north in the southbound lanes on a blind hill. Asbell re-activated his siren, but the driver refused to pull over and weaved into oncoming traffic while fleeing.

After the vehicle neared the intersection of Woodridge Ln., Asbell pulled over and canceled his pursuit, allowing Grady County Deputies to take over.

Deputies Shawn Poitevint and Tavarius Bowens pursued the vehicle on Hwy. 111 and Hwy. 93, before the driver lost control, leaving the west side of Hwy. 93, rolling his truck multiple times. During the crash, the driver was ejected from the vehicle.

Deputies requested emergency assistance. Asbell returned to the scene and observed a Hispanic male lying in the yard of a residence with multiple Modelo beers scattered throughout the wreckage.

Asbell and other deputies searched for any additional occupants who were ejected during the crash, while Poitevint stayed with the driver. During the search, Poitevint advised the driver was no longer breathing and did not have a pulse. Pointevint, Asbell, and other deputies then performed CPR on the driver until Fire and EMS arrived.

Upon arrival, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Georgia State Patrol Trooper Damien Serrata has since responded to investigate the accident.