On 08-15-20 at approximately 6:00 AM, Georgia State Patrol was involved in a chase which ended in the city of Villa Rica. The chase involved a stolen vehicle taken from Carrollton. The vehicle chase ended when the suspect crashed the vehicle near the intersection of Hwy 61 and I-20. The suspect then fled the crash scene on foot.

Villa Rica Police Department officers responded to the area to assist GSP. While searching for the suspect, the 911 center received a call concerning the suspect trying to steal another vehicle at the RaceTrac on Hwy 61. Officer Christian Woods located the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect was identified as Justin Stallworth, 18 years old, from Register Ga.

Officers learned that a witness had left his truck unlocked at the RaceTrac and as he was leaving the store found Stallworth was trying to drive away in his truck. The truck also contained the witness’s dog. The witness reached through the driver’s side window and began struggling with Stallworth in an attempt to stop him. Stallworth accelerated the truck during the struggle causing the vehicle to strike a cement pole in front of the store.

Stallworth exited the vehicle again trying to flee and the witness continued to struggle with him. Another witness gave assistance and they were able to control Stallworth until the officers arrived. The witness/victim who owned the truck and his dog suffered minor injuries as a result of this event. Stallworth was charged with Aggravated Assault, Theft by Taking, Entering Auto, Criminal Damage, Reckless Driving, Reckless Conduct, Simple Battery, and Cruelty to Animals. GSP handled charges for the events leading up to the incident at RaceTrac.