Polynesha Fre-Shaun Curry

VALDOSTA — A Valdosta woman is in jail following a high-speed chase that nearly hit a school bus Wednesday, according to the Lowndes County’s sheriff.

Polynesha Fre-Shaun Curry, 20, of Valdosta is charged with fleeing and attempting to elude, obstruction of an officer, false report of a crime, driving with a suspended license, suspended registration, driving without insurance, duty to stop at an accident (hit and run — leaving the scene of an accident), striking a fixed object and reckless driving, according to a statement from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy spotted a car heading on U.S. 41 north into Valdosta at a high rate of speed, Sheriff Ashley Paulk said.

Around half a dozen sheriff’s cars responded at approximately 3 p.m. They were supported by Valdosta Police Department units, though the city police were not involved in the case, Police Lt. Adam Bembry said.

“She was going in excess of 100 miles per hour,” the sheriff said, “and almost hit a school bus.”

The car hit a tree at the intersection of James D. Wright Drive and Brookwood Drive, he said.

The driver jumped out and fled. Lawmen were carrying out a search on foot at 4 p.m., and a sheriff’s office K9 unit was on the scene.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.