Georgia lawmakers propose tougher penalties for drivers who flee police after deadly ICE pursuit

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Just two days after a deadly crash in Savannah that claimed the life of a beloved schoolteacher, lawmakers at the Georgia General Assembly are considering a bill that would increase penalties for drivers who try to evade law enforcement.

The legislation, sponsored by Lauren McDonald III, comes after what he called a growing pattern of high-speed pursuits that put innocent people at risk.

“There’s no real deterrent,” McDonald said. “HB 1265 changes that.”

The proposal follows a crash Monday in Chatham County that killed Dr. Linda Davis, a local teacher who died less than a mile from her classroom. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a suspect attempting to evade federal authorities ran a red light and collided with Davis’ vehicle.

Lawmakers discussed the case Wednesday, with McDonald saying, “High-speed chases are becoming routine, and the public is paying the price.”

The bill would apply to drivers fleeing state law enforcement and would add one month in prison for every mile a chase lasts.

McDonald also pointed to another driver, Caitlin Terry, who was traveling alongside Davis at the time of the crash and was nearly hit with her two children in the car.

“They were seconds away from being the next headline,” McDonald said. “That teacher went to work expecting to come home to her family. She didn’t, and for what? Because someone decided running from police was worth the risk.”

Terry said witnessing the crash firsthand underscored how dangerous pursuits can be.

“I understand emergencies and adrenaline,” she said. “But that’s why we have to follow the law. One mistake, and he could have killed three people. He killed one, and she gave her life to save ours.”

A House committee has approved the bill. It now faces one more step before heading to the House floor for a full vote.