Driver faces Numerous Charges after St. Patrick’s Day Chase in Habersham County

A suspected drunk driver is in jail after leading officers on a high-speed chase Sunday night, March 17. Habersham County E-911 Dispatch was notified by the Georgia State Patrol Radio Room that a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Ranger was in active pursuit of a black Ford Maverick on Dicks Hill Parkway outside Mt. Airy. The truck was headed toward Cornelia when the pursuing officer lost contact. Units from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office immediately went to the area to assist in trying to locate the vehicle. As units searched the area, a citizen reported the truck was on Hazel Creek Road at Carl Loudermilk Road. Habersham County Sheriff’s Office units made contact with the vehicle at that location and it failed to yield to blue lights and sirens. The Ford traveled on Hazel Creek Road, crossing Camp Creek Road and turning onto Ga. 365 southbound. At Double Bridge Road, the fleeing truck crossed over to go south in the northbound lanes of Ga. 365, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Carter. When the driver attempted to turn left onto Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway, the truck went out of control, crossed a ditch, and traveled up an embankment. No other vehicles were involved. Officers arrived quickly and took the driver into custody. Habersham County Emergency Services and Demorest Fire Department units responded to check the man for injuries since the driver’s airbag deployed during the crash. The driver, identified as 20-year-old Noah Park of Cornelia, was transported by patrol vehicle to the Habersham County Detention Center for booking on numerous charges. Those charges from the sheriff’s office are fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, driving the wrong direction on a divided highway, failure to yield, and two stop sign violations. The Georgia State Patrol is charging Park with driving under the influence. Habersham County Animal Care and Control responded to take custody of a dog that was in the truck and wouldn’t allow officers to approach. That animal was later turned over to a family member.