A Greene County deputy pursued fleeing suspects from Greensboro to the outskirts of Norwood on I-20 May 2, before arresting the driver and passenger on multiple charges.
Tiakeem Scott, 33, of Augusta, faces charges of DUI, failure to stop after striking an unattended vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, speeding (100-plus mph in a 70 mph zone), possession of a firearm/ knife while trying to commit crimes, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and two counts of tampering with evidence.
Shae Ayraven Wallace, 28, is charged with possession of a firearm/knife while trying to commit crimes, possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
According to reports, Cowdrey observed a 2023 Jeep Compass traveling at 87 mph in a 70-mph zone on I-20 in the westbound lanes near the Greensboro exit.
When Cowdrey initiated a traffic stop, Scott left the interstate in his Jeep and began to pull over on the exit ramp. The Jeep nearly stopped but abruptly accelerated and fled from the deputy.
Scott made a left turn at the top of the ramp and passed vehicles on the Highway 44 overpass before getting back on the interstate headed east.
According to Cowdrey’s account, the Jeep continued accelerating onto I-20 and quickly reached speeds over 100.
“As the pursuit approached the 131.5-mile marker, I observed what appeared to be a plastic bag being thrown from the driver side window and onto the shoulder,” Cowdrey observed in his narrative of the of a controlled substance and two counts of tampering with evidence.
According to reports, Deputy Matthew incident. “As the plastic bag hit the roadway, it burst open, and I observed white powder coming out from inside the bag.”
Moments later, Cowdrey saw what appeared to be a black handgun being thrown from the driver’s side of the vehicle. It landed in the median, he said.
Lt. Brian Moore of the GCSO advised that he was in the area and would look for the items thrown from the Jeep.
As the chase approached milepost 134, Scott began passing vehicles on the left shoulder and struck the left rear of a vehicle.
Scott then accelerated to speeds more than 120 mph as the pursuit entered Taliaferro County. Scott continued to accelerate and drove at speeds approaching 130 mph as the chase continued east.
Shortly after entering Warren County, Scott pulled over at the bottom of the exit 160 entrance ramp to I-20 east. Scott and Wallace were then taken into custody.
Due to the odor of marijuana, a search of the vehicle was performed.
According to the report, Cowdrey found a marijuana dispensary bag containing marijuana residue in Wallace’s purse and what appeared to be the top of a ripped plastic bag that was tied in a knot with white powder residue on it.
Lt. Moore advised that he located the plastic bag thrown from the vehicle. Moore indicated the powder was cocaine, and a digital scale was found with it.
Later, Moore also located the firearm thrown into the median.