Hartwell man arrested after deputies say he fled traffic stop at speeds over 85 mph

HART COUNTY, Ga. – A Hartwell man was arrested after deputies say he led authorities on a high-speed pursuit in Hart County late Saturday night.

According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling Lavonia Highway near Ankerich Road shortly after 11 p.m. Oct. 17 when he observed a blue 2022 Nissan Frontier traveling toward Hartwell without its headlights or taillights illuminated.

The deputy turned around and activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. Authorities said the driver turned on the vehicle’s headlights but refused to stop and began fleeing.

During the pursuit, the driver allegedly reached speeds exceeding 85 mph and passed a tractor-trailer and two passenger vehicles in a no-passing zone, according to the sheriff’s office.

The driver eventually pulled into a location at 380 Lavonia Highway, apparently attempting to evade deputies, authorities said. He was quickly located and taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as Blake Andrew Hix, 25, of Hartwell.

During the investigation, the deputy reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from Hix and found an open container inside the vehicle that had spilled.

Hix was arrested and charged with felony fleeing and eluding, DUI — second offense, reckless driving, headlights required at certain times, open container violation, too fast for conditions, failure to maintain lane and passing in a no-passing zone.

The case remains subject to the judicial process, and the charges are allegations until proven guilty in court.