Hiawassee PD arrests drug suspect after PIT stop

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit Monday, March 2, prior to the arrest of a suspect on drug charges. According to information obtained from the city agency, the chase began at approximately 12:35 pm, ending a short time later.

The vehicle that the suspect was driving was reported as “pitted twice” by a law enforcement officer who attempted to initiate a traffic stop, leading to the apprehension of John Caleb Nicholson of Hiawassee.

By definition, a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver is a pursuit tactic by which law enforcement can force a fleeing vehicle to abruptly turn sideways, causing a suspect to stop. The technique is typically used by officers as a safer alternative to ending dangerous motor vehicle pursuits.

Nicholson was taken into custody and transported to the Towns County Detention Center. Charges were listed as pending at the time of publication.

FYN will provide additional information on the incident as it is made available by Hiawassee Police Department.

Nicholson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.