An Atlanta man faces 22 charges after he was accused of fleeing authorities at more than 100 mph in a stolen car over the weekend.
Desi Stewart, 43, was first spotted by police on April 18 inside a stolen 2013 black Volkswagen Jetta, Atlanta police said in a news release. The vehicle had been tied to several crimes in Fulton County since it was stolen in February.
Stewart sped away from an attempted traffic stop, and Atlanta police did not give chase, the release said. The department currently has a no-chase policy.
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However, Georgia State Patrol will chase suspects, and troopers got their chance about 4:45 p.m. Saturday.
Authorities spotted the stolen Jetta near Dollar Mill Road and Boulder Park Drive, and troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the release said. Stewart allegedly took off at more than 100 mph, running through stop signs and red traffic lights during the process.
At one point, the Jetta struck a blue vehicle, but Stewart kept on driving, the release said. The chase ended a few miles later near the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and Hamilton E. Holmes Drive.
Atlanta police officers used Stop Sticks to slow down the vehicle, so troopers could perform a PIT maneuver to bring the Jetta to a stop, the release said. Stewart is accused of trying to get out of the vehicle and run, but he was quickly detained.
He was booked into the Fulton County Jail on 22 charges, including six counts of financial transaction card theft, three counts of fleeing police and one count of hit-and-run, theft by receiving and criminal damage to property. He also faces several misdemeanors and driving citations, police said.
Police said Stewart is a convicted felon with 16 prior arrests in Georgia and Maryland. His prior convictions include counts of theft by receiving, criminal damage to property, fleeing police and drug possession, according to the release.
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Stewart remains in jail without bond, according to jail records.
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