CAIRO, Ga. (WALB) — The Grady County Sheriff’s Office says a dangerous pursuit ended safely early Wednesday morning, after deputies stopped an alleged impaired driver before he could enter the Cairo city limits.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies attempted a traffic stop on Highway 93 South after observing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly. Authorities say the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit that placed other motorists at risk.

Due to what officials described as an immediate threat to public safety, deputies conducted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on the suspect vehicle before it reached the city. The maneuver was successfully executed, bringing the chase to a safe conclusion.

The driver was identified as 21-year-old Meki Ty Sean Gilyard of Tallahassee.

Gilyard was arrested and charged with:

• Felony Fleeing and Eluding
• Driving Under the Influence
• Reckless Driving

“Let me be absolutely clear, we have zero tolerance for reckless, impaired drivers who choose to put innocent lives at risk,” Prince said. “When someone makes the decision to flee and drive under the influence, they are making the decision to endanger families on our roads. Our deputies will act decisively and aggressively to stop that threat. Public safety comes first.”

The sheriff also commended the deputies involved, saying their actions likely prevented serious injury or loss of life.

The sheriff’s office says it remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts aimed at keeping impaired and reckless drivers off local roadways.

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