BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. — A 33-year-old Forsyth man was killed Saturday evening after being ejected from his SUV during a high-speed pursuit, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
Authorities identified the driver as Michael Gonzales, who was traveling north on GA-87 at speeds nearing 100 mph in a 55 mph zone around 7:15 p.m. on September 6, 2025, when troopers attempted a traffic stop.
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Instead of pulling over, Gonzales fled, running multiple stop signs in Flovilla and making several sharp turns to evade officers. During the chase, the gray Dodge Durango he was driving veered off the roadway near WF Smith Road and Higgins Road, striking a street sign before continuing to flee.
Troopers attempted several tactical maneuvers to stop the vehicle, including a PIT maneuver. The chase ended between mile markers 2 and 3, when the Durango collided with a tree and left the roadway. Gonzales was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said Gonzales’ excessive speed and erratic driving directly contributed to the fatal crash. The Georgia State Patrol confirmed the case remains under investigation.