A high-speed pursuit in Chattooga County earlier this month culminated in the arrest of a 36-year-old woman on multiple felony drug charges, including possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and psychedelic mushrooms, in addition to numerous traffic and fleeing offenses.

According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, released last week, Amy Leigh Anthony, aged 36, was taken into custody after deputies pursued her vehicle at speeds reaching 101 mph on Highway 27.

The incident began when Chattooga County deputies were stationary at Highway 27 and Hunter Road and deputies recognized a silver Pontiac G6, believing it to have an incorrect license plate. As the deputy turned to follow, the vehicle, traveling northbound towards Summerville, rapidly accelerated.

The deputy activated emergency lights and siren, notifying Chattooga County E911 that a pursuit was underway as the vehicle failed to yield and increased speed significantly. The report notes speeds reached 101 mph in areas posted for 55 and 65 mph. During the chase, the driver allegedly passed another vehicle in oncoming traffic within a no-passing zone near the Highway 27/Gore Subligna Road intersection, and also reportedly turned off the vehicle’s headlights in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement.

The pursuit ended when the vehicle eventually slowed and pulled over, turning on its four-way flashers. With firearm drawn, the deputy ordered the female driver, identified as Amy Anthony, out of the vehicle and onto the ground. Another deputy assisted in placing Anthony into custody. A male passenger, identified as William Anthony, was also removed from the vehicle, patted down, and temporarily detained.

Upon searching the area around the vehicle, deputies discovered a black case positioned in front of the car, which appeared recently placed due to its clean condition. Inside the case, deputies located a plastic baggie filled with suspected psychedelic mushrooms.

A subsequent search of Amy Anthony’s pocketbook yielded a clear plastic baggie in her wallet, containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine and/or Fentanyl. Field tests later confirmed the substance was positive for both Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.

The male passenger, William Anthony, was read his Miranda Warning. He denied any knowledge or ownership of the mushrooms. He was subsequently released from the scene after making arrangements for a ride, and the vehicle was towed by LuAllen’s Towing.

Amy Leigh Anthony was transported to the Chattooga County Detention Center without further incident. She faces a comprehensive list of charges, including:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Possession of Schedule I or II Drugs (for the psychedelic mushrooms)
  • Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
  • Reckless Driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to Maintain Lane
  • Driving Motor Vehicle with Invalid Registration/Suspended
  • Removing or Affixing License Plate for Purpose of Traffic Offenses