On Saturday, Nov. 9 Clay County K-9 Sgt Steven Smith was parked on US 64 West near Qualla Road in Hayesville was operating his radar system looking for motorists driving dangerously fast or recklessly, according to a release from Sheriff Mark Buchanan. "Over the past few months, too many people have been killed and seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents in Clay County."
At around 1 a.m., Smith clocked a 2011 Ford Ranger truck heading east on US 64 at a speed of 96 miles per hour. Smith immediately began pursuit. He noted the truck’s headlights turn off as it crested a hill and went through a left hand curve, all while continuing at a high rate of speed, according to the release.
Smith caught up with the truck as it "recklessly" turned into the parking lot of New Life Church and stopped on the east side of the building. The driver of the truck was William Andrew Wimpey, 21, of Hayesville.
Clay County Officer Raphie Medina arrived to the scene to assist Smith. In addition to multiple open containers of alcoholic beverages found within the truck, officers reported that Wimpey failed several sobriety examinations at the scene. Wimpey was arrested for driving while impaired, felony fleeing to elude arrest, driving while license revoked for DWI, speeding and possession of open containers of an alcoholic beverages in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Wimpey was transported to the Clay County Detention Center where he refused to give a sample of his breath for testing and was issued a $7,500 secured bond for his release.