A June 13 car chase along Ga. Highway 54 in Fayetteville and into central Fayette County followed by a chase on foot by sheriff’s deputies and Tyrone officers led to the arrest of three men on multiple charges.

Sheriff Barry Babb said deputies on June 13 conducted a traffic stop on Hwy. 54 in Fayetteville near Sharon Drive. He said the driver of the vehicle pulled into the parking lot of the AutoZone store then fled from the officer by quickly returning to Hwy. 54 and running the light at Gingercake Road. Babb said the pursuit continued west on Hwy. 54, then north onto Tyrone Road.

Tyrone Police were able to assist by placing stop-sticks in the roadway, deflating the fleeing vehicle’s tires, Babb said.

“Despite the flat tires, the driver continued to flee,” said Babb. “In an effort to end the pursuit, deputies attempted to box the car in but the driver intentionally struck the deputies’ vehicles twice during the maneuver. The driver made an evasive maneuver that resulted in him losing control of the car and spinning out. Once the car came to a stop, two of the three occupants fled on foot into the woods.”

Babb said Joshua Daugherty, 20, of Newnan, stayed in the car and was taken into custody.

The driver, identified as 27-year-old Christopher Mallett, of Newnan, was taken into custody after a short foot chase in the woods, said Babb.

Babb said another passenger, 20-year-old Preston Williams, homeless, was also taken into custody a short time later.

Deputies found suspected methamphetamine and suspected marijuana in the vehicle, Babb said.

Mallett was charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony distribution of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, aggravated assault on a police officer and obstruction, Babb said.

Williams was charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony distribution of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects and obstruction, said Babb.

Daugherty was charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony distribution of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects, Babb said.

The three men were transported to the Fayette County Jail.