Man caught after high-speed chase

A man carrying marijuana and cash reached speeds up to 100 mph Monday evening before crashing into another car just outside Statesboro after he fled from Jenkins County deputies into Bulloch County, authorities said.

Around 7:22 p.m. Monday, Jenkins County deputies called for assistance as Aris Flores, 23, of Davidson
Avenue in Savannah, approached the county line on U.S. Highway 25, Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson said in a news release issued Tuesday.

Jenkins County deputies chased Flores at high speed, and Bulloch County deputies tried to stop him from entering Statesboro by setting up spike strips at U.S. Highway 80 West at its intersection with Veterans Memorial Parkway, Anderson said.

"However, (Flores) avoided striking the strips and turned onto (Veterans Memorial Parkway)," the sheriff said. Flores "continued until he struck another civilian vehicle at Westside Road."

Flores abandoned his vehicle and took off running, but "was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit," Anderson said.

The occupants of the vehicle that was struck were treated and released by Bulloch County EMS.

"One deputy sustained a minor injury to his knee during the foot pursuit and was treated at East Georgia Regional Medical Center," Anderson said.

After Flores was apprehended, Deputy Kirk McGlamery and his K‐9 partner Max searched Flores' vehicle and found "a significant quantity of marijuana and U.S. currency," Anderson said.

Bulloch County Drug Suppression Team investigators secured the drugs and money while Flores was taken to the Bulloch County Jail, the sheriff said.

Flores is held without bond, charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, speeding, reckless driving, obstruction and disobeying a traffic control device.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.