Earl Ronald Chase was killed and Joseph Brian “Joey” Reeves has been charged with Felony, Homicide by Vehicle in the first degree as the result of a two vehicle crash in McCaysville last week.
Fannin County Coroner Becky Callihan said Deputy Coroner Felicia Folds pronounced Chase, 70, of a Ridge Road address, dead at the scene of the crash at 11:57 a.m. Thursday morning, October 13. Callihan said the victim was killed instantly.
McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said the crash occurred just inside the McCaysville City Limits on Mobile Road near the Fightingtown Creek Bridge.
Earley said Reeves was traveling east toward McCaysville in a Nissan Murano when he crossed the center line and struck a westbound Mercury Mountaineer driven by Chase head on.
Reeves, 41, of 1111 Blue Ridge Drive was taken into custody at the scene, Earley said.
Reeves faces the Homicide by Vehicle charge in a warrant sworn out by Sergeant First Class Jason Bradburn of the Georgia State Patrol.
A second warrant taken out by Bradburn charges Reeves with Misdemeanor, DUI/drugs. He is also charged with Failure to Maintain Lane, Distracted Driving, Driving Without License on Person, and Use of Safety Belts in Passenger Vehicle violation.
The Fannin County 911 center received the first report of the crash at 10:46 a.m., and Callihan said her office was called to the scene at 11:11.
Reeves was released from the Fannin County jail under a $52,600 bond.