MONROE COUNTY, GA — A high-speed police chase turned deadly late Wednesday night when a vehicle crashed into a tree in Monroe County, killing 22-year-old Jason King of Americus. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the crash followed a pursuit involving a juvenile driver who attempted to flee from deputies.
The incident began around 11:30 p.m. on May 29, when deputies attempted to pull over a vehicle traveling south on I-75 near exit 188. Instead of stopping, the juvenile behind the wheel sped away, leading officers on a chase that extended onto Highway 18 West. During the pursuit, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which left the road and slammed into a tree.
Jason King, a passenger in the vehicle, suffered fatal injuries from the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the juvenile driver fled on foot following the crash. After a brief search, the suspect was located and taken into custody early Friday morning. The identity of the driver has not been released due to their status as a minor.
The juvenile now faces several serious charges, including felony fleeing, felony murder, and multiple traffic violations. During the investigation, deputies also found a firearm and illegal narcotics inside the crashed vehicle. Additional charges are expected as the case continues to develop.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the original reason for the attempted traffic stop, but they stressed the dangers of fleeing from police. “These situations often escalate quickly and can have tragic consequences,” said a spokesperson for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jason King during this difficult time.”
This fatal crash is a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous high-speed chases can be—not only for those involved but also for the wider community. As the investigation continues, Monroe County authorities are working to piece together the full chain of events that led to the deadly collision. Meanwhile, the community of Americus mourns the loss of a young man whose life ended far too soon. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.