An arrest warrant was issued charging Michael Johnson, 27, of Lincoln County with first-degree vehicular homicide for his involvement in an accident that occurred on Double Branches Road at 3:13 a.m. December 14, 2008.

According to Lincoln County Sheriff Gerald Lawson, Johnson, the driver of a 1998 Saturn SL2, was attempting to elude law enforcement officers when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree.

A passenger in the vehicle, Pernell Marshall, 35, of Lincolnton, was killed in the crash.

Johnson, who was found to be under the influence of illegal drugs, has also been charged with DUI, along with other misdemeanor charges.

He is currently being held in the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Center on a $125,000 bond.

The investigation was conducted by Senior Trooper D.H. Branch and the Georgia State Patrol's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team.