Driver With Active Felony Warrant Arrested After Fleeing Traffic Stop and Crashing Vehicle

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. – A traffic stop attempt on December 16, 2025, ended in an arrest after a driver fled and crashed his vehicle in the Rockmart area, according to law enforcement officials.

Sgt. Swanger and Deputy Baldwin were at the intersection of Coppermine Road and Rockmart Road when Sgt. Swanger observed a Ford Explorer traveling on Rockmart Road. After the vehicle passed through a stop sign, it accelerated at a high rate of speed, prompting Sgt. Swanger to follow.

Before emergency equipment could be activated, the driver abruptly turned left onto Frances White Road, where the vehicle lost control and spun into an embankment. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody by deputies.

The driver was identified as James Adam Edwards, who authorities said had an active felony warrant for a probation violation. During an inventory search of the vehicle, deputies located a blue container holding a small amount of a clear crystal substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

Edwards was charged with possession of methamphetamine in violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, failure to maintain lane, and probation violation. The incident remains under investigation.