Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Brian Giandelone

BUFORD — A Griffin man was injured in a wreck with a Georgia State Patrol cruiser Thursday.

Thomas Walton Hale, 30, faces myriad charges after fleeing from a traffic stop in his motorcycle along Interstate 985 around noon, said Lt. Paul Cosper, a spokesman for the state patrol.

Cosper said Hale was clocked at a high rate of speed by one trooper, but as he was fleeing from that officer, he happened upon another trooper driving in the emergency lane. Hale’s motorcycle struck the cruiser on its right side, then hit a mile post sign, sending him tumbling off the bike.

Hale was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center for treatment of injuries, including what appeared to be a broken leg, Cosper said.

When he is discharged from the hospital, Hale will face charges including felony fleeing, reckless driving, splitting traffic, improper passing, driving without a license, insurance or tag, and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Cosper said the trooper was not injured but the crash caused severe damage to the cruiser.