BANKS COUNTY, Ga. – On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office received a BOLO for a murder suspect out of Columbus, Georgia.

A BCSO deputy observed the vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 85 in between the 154 and 149 mile markers and attempted a traffic stop.

The driver, identified as Luke Mercardante, 26, from Covington, Georgia, fled and led deputies on a brief pursuit. During the pursuit, Mercardente exited at the 149 exit ramp and tried to reenter on I-85 SB, but lost control of the vehicle and crashed on the 149 entrance ramp.

Deputies were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident.

was evaluated at a local hospital for minor injuries and later transported to the Banks County Detention Center.

In addition to being charged with murder out of Columbus, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office has obtained local warrants related to the pursuit and crash. Mercardante is currently being held pending extradition and further legal proceedings.