According to a Georgia State Patrol incident report, On February 26th, 2023, at 2:32 PM, Trooper Emilee Shackleford stopped a 2004 Chevrolet truck northbound near mile marker 343 that was observed traveling at a high rate of speed in the left lane at 89 mph. The driver, who didn’t have a license on him, identified himself as Austin Matthew Hufstetler, 26, of Cartersville. GCIC and NCIC results showed Hufstetler had a valid license through Georgia but had a possible felony warrant through Bartow County. During the traffic stop, Hufstetler disobeyed commands and began to struggle with the trooper. Hufstetler then ran, to which a physical altercation occurred, and pulled her portable radio off of her along with her tie. Hufstetler ran approximately 10 feet before he was tased by the trooper. Hufstetler fell onto his stomach, where another altercation occurred. During this altercation, Trooper Shackleford suffered a fractured left hand. Though Trooper Shackleford was injured, she was able to get the Hufstetler into custody. EMS arrived on the scene and cleared Hufstetler of the probe contacts, and assisted the trooper. Trooper Shackleford allowed Hufstetler to contact his mother and inform her of where he would be. Hufstetler was transported to Catoosa County Jail, charged with speeding, driving without a license on person, and felony obstruction, and a hold for Bartow County was placed.
GSP trooper injured during struggle with wanted felon on I-75 traffic stop for speeding in Catoosa County
