22-year-old killed, teen charged after Monroe County chase ends in crash

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 22-year-old man died and a juvenile is facing felony charges after a late-night police chase ended in a crash on Highway 18 West, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Anna Watkins says deputies attempted a traffic stop around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday on a vehicle heading southbound on Interstate 75 near exit 188.

Deputies said the driver didn’t stop and continued onto Highway 18 West. The chase ended when the driver lost control and the vehicle hit a tree.

The passenger, identified as 22-year-old Jason King of Americus, was killed instantly, Watkins said.

The driver ran before being taken into custody around 7:30 Friday morning. The driver will be charged with felony fleeing, felony murder and multiple traffic violations.

Deputies also found a gun and drugs inside the vehicle. Watkins said additional charges are pending.

The case remains under investigation.