Duluth man arrested for high speed chase through town

A 19-year-old Duluth man was arrested by Treutlen County Sheriff’s deputies after he deliberately wrecked on the 441 North in Laurens County, after he reached speeds of approximately 120 mph through downtown Dublin Saturday morning.

Before 8:46 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, a TCSO deputy clocked a Kia Optima, driven by Ahmed MacPhee, going 117 mph while traveling west on I-16, said Georgia State Patrol Sgt. Brian Jones.

Deputies attempted to pull the Kia over, but the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed, exiting onto Ga. 19.

“He went through the city of Dublin still at a high rate of speed, around 120 mph coming through town,” Jones said. “He made it out to Highway 441 on the north end of town.”

MacPhee saw law enforcement officials behind him and later told deputies that he made the decision to crash on purpose in a suicide attempt.

“He didn’t want to go to jail,” Jones said. “He drove straight through the intersection, went through a ditch, overturned and hit a tree. … All of his information was cleaned. He had a valid license, valid vehicle information and he had no warrants. He is 19 years old. I think it came down to being a teenager and getting caught up with that type of speed. He gave in to the fear.” 

MacPhee was transported to a hospital for minor injuries. Jones said TCSO is investigating for charges. Jones was glad no one else was injured during the chase.

“He was driving so recklessly to the point that Laurens County had terminated their involvement in the pursuit,” Jones said. “Treutlen County stayed with him. When it got back into the county area, away from the mass area of population, is when everybody started joining back in and continued to pursue.”

The case has been turned over to the Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office.