GBI: Man dies after running into lake following police chase
A 19-year-old man died after he ran into a lake following a police chase in Butts County, officials said.
Gavin Campbell’ body was pulled from Jackson Lake about 2:30 p.m. Friday, according to GBI Special Agent in Charge Joshua Ayer.
The incident began as a traffic stop in Newton County and spiraled into a chase in Butts County Thursday evening, Ayer said. The pursuit led investigators to Hickory Point Drive in Jackson, he said.
Investigators said Campbell got out of his car and ran into Jackson Lake. Officers followed him and dove into the lake in an attempt to rescue him, Ayer said.
Officials from the Georgia State Patrol and the Department of Natural Resources, along with deputies from Butts, Jasper and Newton counties, tried to find the man, but initially were not successful.
Campbell’s body was taken to the GBI Medical Examiner for an autopsy. The GBI and DNR are both investigating the circumstances of his death.
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About the Author
Asia Simone Burns is a watchdog reporter for the AJC. Burns was formerly an intern in AJC’s newsroom and now writes about crime. She is a graduate of Samford University and has previously reported for NPR and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR member station.
