FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 11:15 AM the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit attempted to stop a white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado occupied by JASON LYNN SOUDER (52 of Cedartown, GA) at Gault AVE N and Alabama Ave in Fort Payne. SOUDER was wanted on felony warrants out of Cherokee County Alabama as well as felony warrants out of Haralson County Georgia and was known to be driving the above vehicle. SOUDER is a known gang-affiliate and was believed to be armed and dangerous, and as Agents with the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit initiated the traffic stop, SOUDER refused to pull over and a vehicle pursuit began.
| JASON LYNN SOUDER (52 of Cedartown, GA) |
SOUDER attempted to elude Deputies, Investigators, Narcotics Agents, and Fort Payne Police Officers up County Road 137 towards Valley Head at speeds in excess of 100 mph before coming to a stop at the intersection of County Road 761 and County Road 954 and attempting to elude on foot through a heavily wooded area where he was apprehended after a brief foot chase. During an inventory of SOUDER’s vehicle, methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun that had recently been reported stolen out of Piedmont, Alabama was found. SOUDER was transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center and charged with the following: Felony Attempt to Elude, Possession of Controlled Substance w/ Intent to Distribute, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Receiving Stolen Property 2nd, Attempted Assault 2nd, Certain Persons Forbidden to Poss. Firearm, Criminal Mischief 1st and Reckless Endangerment.
Additionally, a female passenger who exited SOUDER’S vehicle in Fort Payne at the beginning of the pursuit was transported to Erlanger Hospital. This case is ongoing and more charges may be pending.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “No matter the situation, running from law enforcement only makes matters worse. This situation was handled with professionalism and dedication and was brought to a safe end, with the suspect behind bars. Thank you to all assisting agencies.”
“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
