(press release issued by HCSO)

On May 28, 2024, Deputy Alexander Zeno observed a motorcycle traveling eastbound on U.S. Hwy 78 with no taillights and attempted a traffic stop at the intersection of US Highway 78 at Arbacoochee Road in Tallapoosa. The motorcycle failed to stop, and a pursuit began. Deputy Jarrett Chandler was close by and became the secondary unit in the pursuit. The motorcycle continued east on US Highway 78 and reached speeds up to 90 miles per hour. The chase, which went down US 78 onto Old Ridgeway Road then to Old Bushmill Road, ended when the driver attempted to turn onto Highway 27 from Hilltop Road and the driver could not control the motorcycle, resulting in a crash into the median. During the pursuit, the motorcycle went into the oncoming lane of traffic, nearly hitting another vehicle head-on.

Deputies approached the motorcycle giving the driver verbal commands. Deputy Chandler realized that one of the male’s legs was pinned under the motorcycle so he pulled it off him so the suspect could be handcuffed by Deputy Zeno and Deputy Jon Henderson. EMS was called to the scene. During the investigation on scene, it was discovered that the driver, James Horton, had probation violation warrants out of multiple jurisdictions including Haralson County. When the motorcycle was checked, it was found to be stolen out of Temple Georgia. Search incident to arrest, deputies checked the bag Horton had around him and located a pistol, suspected methamphetamine, a set of digital scales and several Suboxone strips. The investigation also found that Horton was a convicted felon. Horton was transported to the hospital and checked and then released to deputies, who transported him to the Haralson County Detention Center.

James Michael Horton, a 34-year-old W/M out of Carrollton, GA is now charged with Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, VGCSA – Possession of Methamphetamines, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, as well as multiple traffic citations. Horton is currently being held at the Haralson County Detention Center with a denied bond.

“These deputies did a great job of getting another wanted criminal/drug dealer off the streets of Haralson County,” states Sheriff Stacy Williams. “Motorcycle chases are very difficult, and the tools we can use are limited in cases such as this. In this case, the deputies remained calm and worked as a team to bring this criminal to justice. Mr. Horton was wanted in several different jurisdictions and now, he will face justice for his actions. We will continue to pursue and arrest criminals who continually violate our laws and spread this poison to our citizens.  We will not tolerate it. Period…”