ATV Driver crashes into stopped patrol car

On July 26, Deputies with Stephens County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a concentrated patrol when a deputy with the STING Unit observed an individual without a helmet on, riding a multi-colored ATV on Broad Street near Diagonal Street.

According to a press release issued by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, July 28, once the driver of the ATV saw the deputy, he made an abrupt turn, attempting to avoid the deputy. The Traffic Unit initiated his blue lights and siren, but the driver of the ATV refused to stop and began to flee from the deputy.

A short distance later, the ATV collided with a SCSO K-9 cruiser that was stopped in the turning lane with blue lights flashing at the intersection of Broad and Spring Street. After the ATV made contact with the stopped K-9 Unit, the ATV overturned, ejecting the driver.   

The driver, later identified as Garry Parris, 38, of Toccoa was transported by Stephens County EMS to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for injuries sustained during the accident.

The SCSO requested the assistance of the Georgia State Patrol to investigate the crash. 

According to the press release, Parris was charged with felony fleeing, driving on a suspended license, operating an ATV on the roadway, driving too fast for conditions, two charges of failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to maintain lane, and obstructing law enforcement.

Parris has since been released from Northeast Georgia Medical Center after only sustaining minor injuries. 

According to the press release, “Parris has been instructed to turn himself in, but at this time has failed to do so.”