VIDEO: Deputies use PIT maneuver to end chase with burglary suspects on busy highway

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Bodycam video recorded a wild chase involving burglary suspects along a busy highway in Forsyth County.

The incident started Monday when someone called the sheriff’s office about a reckless driving throwing out a “suspicious bag” near a business parking lot.

Deputies said they found the car, a Dodge Charger that was possibly linked to recent thefts in the area, on Atlanta Road. When they attempted to pull it over in the parking lot of Merchants Square, the driver took off.

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The driver led deputies on a short chase that ended on Buford Dam Road when deputies used a PIT maneuver to pin the car.

Deputies took four people in the car into custody.

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Authorities said the suspects told them they were from Chicago in town for vacation. But when deputies searched the car, they said they found the driver’s fake ID, multiple ski masks, a loaded Glock 17 pistol with an extended clip, an unloaded Glock 17 pistol, a loaded high-capacity drum magazine and raw marijuana.

The driver and one passenger have an extensive criminal record, including multiple felony convictions for violent crimes in Illinois, deputies said.

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The driver, Qushawn Hawkins was charged with: Unlawful use of a Hands-Free Device, Reckless Driving, Felony Fleeing, Failure to Maintain Lane, Improper, Erratic Lane Change, Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Possession of Marijuana (less than 1 oz) and 1st and 2nd Degree Forgery. He’ being held on $18,240 bond at the Forsyth County Jail.

Passenger Javon Sherrod is charged with: Failure to use a Seatbelt, Possession of Marijuana (less than 1 oz) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He’s being held on a $23,930 bond.

Another passenger, Kantrelle Hawkins is charged with: Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He’s being held on $11,130 bond.

A third passenger in the car was not charged and released.