Two Motorcyclists Charged Following Wreck in Oconee County

Charges have been filed against two motorcyclists involved in a wreck in Oconee County on Friday that resulted in multiple injuries, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The accident happened at about 7:15 p.m. on Ga. 53 near Oconee Crossing.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened following a chase that originated in Walton County and involved the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia State Patrol. Walton County Chief Deputy Keith Brooks said his officers did clock the two motorcycles passing through Walton County at a high rate of speed, but called off any chase because of the dangers involved.

“They were going so fast that we were never really able to pursue them,” Brooks said. “The deputies did initially try to catch up to them, but the supervisor called off the chase because of the speed. The charges didn’t outweigh the risk.”

The motorcyclists, however, were allegedly still speeding after leaving Walton County, both wrecking after hitting a Lexus in Oconee County.

“A Lexus was also traveling east on GA 53 attempting to turn left onto Vanessa Ave. One of the motorcycles attempted to pass the vehicle on the wrong side of the road in a no passing zone. While attempting to pass, it failed to maintain its lane striking on the front driver side. The other motorcycle also attempted to pass the vehicle on the outside shoulder in a no passing zone and struck the vehicle on the rear driver side,” a spokesman with the Georgia State Patrol reported, adding that both motorcyclists were charged with failure to maintain lane, passing in a no passing zone, and too fast for conditions. “Both were injured and transported to Athens Regional Medical Center.”

Charged were Bryan Dameko Houston, 34, of Tallahassee, Fla. on motorcycle 1 and Brandon Michael Jordan, 25, of Stone Mountain, on the second motorcycle.

The driver of the Lexus, Norma Shook Grahi, 73, of Watkinsville was not injured, GSP reports.