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Gainesville: Suspected gang member arrested
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A drug suspect struck a tree stump and a fire hydrant in a stolen SUV while fleeing authorities Thursday, according to sheriff’s officials.

Christopher Lamar "Smokey" Cantrell, 18, was driving erratically on Jesse Jewel Parkway when officers decided to pull him over, Hall County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Ware said.

Cantrell stopped the car, a 1991 Lexus SUV that was later determined to be stolen, then sped off, leading authorities on a brief pursuit, Ware said.

During the chase, he struck the stump and fire hydrant, causing as much as $5,000 in damage to the hydrant, Ware said.

Cantrell was eventually stopped and arrested in the 1100 block of Jesse Jewel Parkway without incident. Three passengers in the car were not charged.

Cantrell, a purported member of the BOE street gang, was charged with theft by receiving motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, possession of marijuana, obstruction, reckless driving, driving under the influence and driving without a license, authorities said.

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