Polk County Police reported on Facebook earlier this afternoon that a chase that began as a traffic stop in the Cedartown area ended after the driver fled, almost hit an officer and ultimately was stopped after a chase that involved a Department of Natural Resources helicopter.

Police arrested Michael Ganues, 42, of 203 Spanish Trails, Dallas, on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after he was stopped at Berry Road and Piedmont Highway near Prior Station Road in western Polk County.

Here’s the full release from the PCPD to explain the rest posted on Facebook this afternoon (Saturday, Nov. 27):

On November 26, 2021 around 23:40, Patrol Officers with B Shift were conducting routine patrol in the area of Berry Road / Piedmont Highway.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevrolet S-10 for traffic violations. The vehicle came to a stop. As our officers approached the vehicle, they identified the suspect as Michael Ganues (42 year old male).

Our Officers had knowledge that Mr. Ganues had active arrest warrants from a previous case they investigated.

As our officers were speaking with Mr. Ganues, he placed the vehicle in drive and fled. In the process of fleeing, he almost struck one of our officers.

A vehicle pursuit ensued. As our officers were pursuing the vehicle, the suspect vehicle turned onto Prior Station Road.

At this time, our officers learned that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had a helicopter in the area. DNR’s Aviation Unit then responded, and followed the chase from the air.

The vehicle pursuit ended at Lefevers Road / Prior Station Road, where our officers took Mr. Ganues into custody without incident. It was learned that the Chevrolet S-10 being driven by Mr. Ganues was stolen.

Mr. Ganues was charged with: Possession of Methamphetamine (F), Tampering with Evidence (F), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime (F), Possession of a Firearm / Knife during the Commission of a Crime (F), Theft by Taking (F), Aggravated Assault (F), Obstruction of Law Enforcement (M), and numerous traffic charges.

We want to thank the DNR, and Cedartown Police Department for their assistance in this vehicle pursuit!

Ganues was being held at the Polk County Jail as of this posting this weekend on the multiple felony and misdemeanor charges without bond set.