Pat Brand
389 Country
In the early hours of November 9, 2024, a high-speed pursuit on US 64 in Clay County resulted in the arrest of William Andrew Wimpey, 21, of Hayesville, for multiple charges including Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest.
The incident began around 1:00 a.m. as Clay County K-9 Sgt. Steven Smith conducted routine radar monitoring near Qualla Road, aiming to curb reckless driving on US 64, where fatal and severe accidents have been on the rise. Sgt. Smith observed a 2011 Ford Ranger barreling eastbound at a dangerous 96 miles per hour. As Sgt. Smith initiated pursuit, the truck’s driver turned off the headlights while cresting a hill and continued to speed through a sharp left curve.
Sgt. Smith managed to catch up with the vehicle when it veered into the parking lot of New Life Church, stopping on the east side of the building. The driver, identified as Wimpey, was found with multiple open containers of alcohol in his vehicle and reportedly failed several field sobriety tests administered on-site.
Clay County Officer Raphie Medina arrived shortly afterward to assist Sgt. Smith. Authorities placed Wimpey under arrest for DWI, Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Driving While License Revoked for DWI, Speeding, and Possession of Open Containers in the Passenger Compartment of a Vehicle. Wimpey was taken to the Clay County Detention Center, where he refused to provide a breath sample for alcohol testing. He remains in custody on a $7,500 secured bond.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has urged drivers to prioritize safety, especially as the county continues to address rising concerns over reckless and impaired driving on its roadways.
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