Man arrested after attempting to flee from officers in stolen vehicle

PRESS RELEASE – On August 21st, 2023 a Deputy with the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer with a Louisiana tag that was reported stolen. Upon the Deputy activating his emergency equipment, the driver of vehicle , identified as Charles Austin Lawrence initiated a vehicle pursuit, attempting to flee from the Deputy.

After entering Habersham County, the driver lost control of the Ford Explorer and spun out where he was surrounded by law enforcement from multiple agencies.

Charles Lawrence exited his vehicle, welding a hatchet towards law enforcement officers. Deputies with the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriffs’s Office and an Officer with the Clayton Police Department was able to safely de-escalate the situation and took Lawrence into custody without further incident.

Lawrence is charged with the following charges and is being held at the Rabun County Detention Center.

Felony Fleeing / Attempting to Elude

Felony Aggravated Assault towards Law Enforcement x 3

Felony Theft by Receiving (stolen vehicle)

Felony Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance

Reckless driving

Driving without valid license.

No personnel or vehicles were injured / damaged during the pursuit.

Emma Dunn