New details on police chase that ended in eye-catching I-520 crash

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’re learning new details about a police chase that crossed state lines on Monday morning.

The chase gained a lot of attention before deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office ended it with a tactical maneuver.

According to an incident report from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety, the chase began at the McDonald’s on Georgia Avenue at 9:19 a.m.

Officers initially responded to a well-being check for a subject, later identified as Fred Campbell, who was asleep in a black pickup truck in the drive-thru.

The report states the responding officer noticed Campbell driving forward from one drive-thru window to the next. The officer activated their emergency lights.

Once Campbell noticed the officer’s siren and emergency lights, he acted as though he was going to pull over, according to the report.

Officers say instead of pulling over, Campbell accelerated onto Knox Avenue.

Officers were able to deploy spike strips on Edgefield Road, which Campbell struck with three tires, according to the report.

Campbell then proceeded to Belvedere Clearwater Road, then turned right onto Ridgefield Drive and through a neighborhood, the report says.

While in the neighborhood, officers say Campbell threw a bag of drugs out of the window.

While exiting the neighborhood, one of Campbell’s tires came off, according to the report. He then turned onto I-520 westbound, where he struck a curb on the left side, causing the side airbags to deploy.

Officers say while on I-520, two of the remaining tires came off the truck, leaving only one remaining tire.

After entering Georgia, officers were met by Richmond County, who took the lead in the pursuit at mile marker 6, according to the report.

While apprehending Campbell, deputies found 5.9 grams of fentanyl in his right pants pocket, according to the arrest warrant.

Campbell was taken into custody after Richmond County deputies used a PIT maneuver to stop the pickup, according to deputies.

The incident slowed traffic on both sides of the Savannah River, according to witnesses, but apparently never blocked the interstate.

Campbell was charged with a felony charge of trafficking fentanyl.

It was harrowing for some fellow drivers.

“I’m glad I got out of his way this morning,” said one viewer who said the driver seemed to accelerate after the PIT maneuver, and the vehicle slammed into the right wall.

Officers say a North Augusta patrol vehicle was damaged during the chase from tire and vehicle debris coming from the black pickup truck.

Officers say the pursuit lasted 24 miles and speeds reached approximately 91 mph.

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