Driver Thomas Earl Smith Charged In Chase, Crash With Tractor-Trailer

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A driver was arrested after a police chase that ended with a crash Thursday night.

The crash happened at the intersection of Buford Highway and Duluth Highway in Duluth at about 7:20 p.m.

Authorities said the driver of a Chrysler 300, Buford resident Thomas Earl Smith, was pulled over after running a light on Buford Highway near Gravitt Trail. As deputies approached the car, the driver took off, Gwinnett police said.

”He was going 100-plus, truck driver Jamey Porter told Channel 2’s Eric Philips.

Deputies said Smith, 38, was driving erratically so they pulled back, but it was too late. Porter said he was hauling a load of electronics when the car slammed into him.

”He never even tried to stop. It was just like it was instant impact, Porter said.

Porter said the two people in the car barely dodged decapitation. Crews used the Jaws of Life to remove the pair from the crumpled car.

Smith was airlifted to an area hospital for critical injuries. He was later released and charged with possession and use of drug-related materials, fleeing and attempting to elude, theft by receiving, reckless driving and violation of probation. He has no bond set.

Gwinnett police said passenger Tiffani Ann Brown was treated at an area hospital and will not be charged.