High-speed Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Hiawassee Man in Clay County

Clay County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On 09/28/26 Clay County Lt. Brandon Coker noted a male standing beside a parked on/off road Honda motorcycle at the Hill Top Store located at the intersection of US Hwy 64 and Fires Creek Road.

The motorcycle had no license plate affixed to it. Shortly thereafter, the male got on the motorcycle and began traveling east on Highway 64. Lt. Coker attempted to stop the motorcycle rider and a pursuit ensued reaching speeds up to 80 mph. During the pursuit, the motorcycle rider crossed the double center line and passed vehicles where he almost hitting oncoming traffic head-on.

The rider attempted to turn left onto Qualla Road too fast, lost control, and rode over an embankment. The rider was not hurt and identified as Dustin Scott Bradley, 35 years of age from Hiawassee, GA. During a search of Bradley’s person, Lt. Coker found a pipe that was used to smoke methamphetamine. The motorcycle was impounded by Wood’s Automotive.

Bradley was charged with felony Flee/Elude Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While License Revoked, and Unsafe Passing Another Vehicle. He was given a $20,000 secured bond as a condition of his release.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.