According to a Georgia State Patrol incident report, On March 7th, 2023, at 1:27 AM, Trooper Perry was traveling east on GA 20, east of GA 100. Trooper Perry reported, “[I] observed a black Nissan Altima traveling westbound at an extremely high rate of speed in a 55 mph zone. [I] activated my radar, which showed the vehicle to be traveling 90 mph. [I] activated my emergency equipment to attempt to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle continued up the hill and over the hill crest in front of me. As [I] crested the hill, [I] observed the vehicle, which appeared to be accelerating. [I] activated my radar again, which showed the vehicle to be traveling 107 mph. As the vehicle approached two other vehicles, the vehicle traveled off the right shoulder to pass them. The driver began to lose control and almost struck one of the vehicles. [I] advised Troop A Communications that [I] was in pursuit. The vehicle then sped back up to 106 mph going up a hill.” Trooper Perry was able to get the Altima stopped and took the driver at gunpoint to conduct a felony stop. The driver (Michael Damien McBurnett, 23, of Rome) began yelling “it’s not what it looks like”. There were a total of four occupants in the vehicle. Michael claimed that his brakes went out, causing him to flee, and that he had to use his emergency brake to stop. Trooper Perry reported, “[I] told him that excuse was not reasonable as he accelerated after [I] activated my emergency equipment to attempt to stop him, he accelerated while going up a hill, and he was able to stop using his brakes. [I] inspected the vehicle, and it appeared to be in working condition.” McBurnett was turned over to Deputy Poster, who transported him to the Floyd County Jail, charged with speeding, reckless driving, failing to maintain a single lane, and felony fleeing.
Rome man arrested after brief 100 mph pursuit with GSP trooper in Floyd County
