A former University of South Carolina and NFL football player Was arrested after a chase through Banks and Jackson counties Friday.
Clifton Lopez Geathers, 32, of Seneca, S.C., was arrested and transported to Banks County Law Enforcement Center for the following charges: driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of Schedule 1 drug, felony fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of drug-related objects, speeding, failure to maintain lane, failure to stop at stop sign, and two counts of improper turn, said Banks County Sheriff’s Capt. Carissa McFaddin.
“Just before 4:00 Friday afternoon, while on regular patrol, a Banks County deputy attempted to stop a 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 bearing a South Carolina license plate,” McFaddin said.
She said the traffic stop was for a minor infraction on Ga. 164 near Ga. 15/U.S. 441.
“The driver of the vehicle first appeared to be slowing down to pull over but then continued to lead deputies toward Highway 441,” McFaddin said. “Once the driver reached Highway 441, the speed of the vehicle increased significantly and the driver continued to recklessly flee from deputies while travelling south toward Bank Crossing. The driver continued through Banks Crossing and entered I-85 southbound.
“Once on I-85, the driver accelerated at even higher speeds while holding his phone out the window,” McFaddin said. “It was later discovered that the driver contacted 9-1-1 making statements that law enforcement had no reason to stop him. While on the interstate, Georgia State Patrol entered the pursuit. The driver made an abrupt stop at mile marker 137 [inside Jackson County]. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.”
The defensive end formerly played for the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.
