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Man accused by Oakwood Police of swerving at officers car
Harris faces charge of aggravated assault against a police officer
Imane Harris
Imane Harris

A Gainesville man faces numerous charges after three Oakwood Police officers said they chased after him and collided near Frontage and Mundy Mill roads.

Imane Asante Harris, 21, faces charges of aggravated assault against a police officer, fleeing or attempting to elude police and possession of cocaine.

Around 2 a.m. Sunday, three Oakwood Police officers leaving the McDonald’s spotted a blue Chevrolet Tahoe laying drags at the intersection of Frontage and Mundy Mill roads, according to the police report. Laying drags is defined in Georgia law as causing a car to unsafely spin around or move in a zig-zag pattern.

When Patrolman Walter Drew turned on his blue lights, Harris allegedly turned off his headlights and drove away, according to the report.

Two other officers, Officer Craig Wall and Sgt. Daniel Crawford, assisted in the pursuit on Frontage Road for the Chevrolet Tahoe.

“I then witnessed the blue Chevrolet Tahoe swerve left heading toward the direction of Sgt. Crawford’s patrol vehicle,” according to Drew’s report. “Sgt. Crawford was able to move his patrol vehicle just before the suspect wrecked into him.”

Oakwood Investigator Danny Sridej said Tuesday that all of the officers were OK and the damage was minor.

The Tahoe later crashed into the center median, causing the driver-side tires to deflate.

“The suspect jumped out of the vehicle and fell on the ground and appeared to roll on the pavement,” according to the report. “He then jumped up and began running on foot.”

Officers were able to catch up with Harris, who reportedly had blood coming from his lips and mouth and a scratch on his face.

While searching Harris, Drew reported that two bags were found in Harris’ pockets. According to the report, Harris told police that the contents were cocaine and “weed.”

Inside the vehicle, police allegedly found two opened beer bottles.

Harris was taken to the Hall County Jail. He was also charged with obstruction of an officer, headlight requirements, laying drags, failure to maintain lane, driving with a suspended license, failure to yield, no proof of insurance, failure to notify after striking a fixed object, possession of marijuana and open container violation.