From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Yesterday afternoon (April 12, 2019) at approximately 7 pm, a Patrol Sergeant was led on another high-speed pursuit.
The chase began between Sylvania and Powell, when the Sergeant attempted to conduct a traffic stop on County Road 47. The suspect vehicle accelerated to a high rate of speed and crossed over Highway 35, with the Powell Police Department joining the pursuit.
The chase continued on County Road 47 where the subject almost struck a Fyffe Police Officer. After striking a county road sign and a mailbox, the subject wrecked in a yard on County Road 50.
The driver, Dillon Finch (26 of Sylvania) and Tiffany Tuten (28 of Rainsville) were apprehended at the scene. Marijuana and suspected Methamphetamine were found in the vehicle after a search.
Finch received 9 charges related to the chase, including Possession of Controlled Substance, Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Degree), Attempting to Elude Police, Reckless Endangerment (2x), Criminal Mischief (3rd Degree) (2x), and Attempted Assault on a Police Officer. He will also be facing charges from the Fyffe Police Department. Finch also received 12 traffic citations related to the chase.
Finch also had an existing warrant with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for Domestic Violence.
Tuten was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana (2nd), and Attempting to Elude Police.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “It seems like these pursuits are occurring on a regular basis. The suspects were charged to the fullest extent, as will always be the case when they lead our deputies on a reckless pursuit.”
“Had the driver just pulled over when the traffic stop was attempted, he would have been arrested, but he would not be facing such a large amount of charges. He’ll likely stay in jail much longer due to his actions yesterday,” added Welden.
“If you have a warrant, you’re not going to improve your situation by fleeing our deputies and risking the lives of others. Rarely does anyone succeed in an attempt to escape. I’d like to commend the Patrol Sergeant for his actions, and thank Powell as well as the Fyffe and Sylvania Police Departments for their assistance,” he said.
“As always, God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
