BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
A high-speed pursuit in Autauga County, entered Chilton County, and ended coming to an end back in Autauga County this afternoon according to Sheriff Mark Harrell.
The driver, who is now in custody, was identified as Steven Trent Owens, 27, of Deatsville. Owens is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl), possession of controlled substance (synthetic marijuana), possession of marijuana first, reckless endangerment, attempting to elude and has outstanding felony warrants from other counties. He was booked with a bond of $22,000.
Mid-afternoon, Harrell said deputies were conducting routine patrol in the Marbury area. They observed a black Audi sedan operating on the roadway with no tag.
Deputies activated their emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle then accelerated and fled from law enforcement, at times reach speeds of 100 m.p.h.
The vehicle chase came to an end on Autauga County Road 24 when the driver pulled off the roadway but fled on foot.
Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA, Alabama Conservation Office and the DOC K9 assisted. Owens was located and taken into custody without incident.
Four other people were in the vehicle at the time the driver fled including three females and one male. Sheriff Harrell said the passengers waited patiently at the back of the vehicle and even pointed out the direction the suspect had fled.
“They knew the deal, and they cooperated,” he said.
“I am really proud of our people, they did a fantastic job. I thank Chilton County, ALEA, the Alabama Conservation Office and the DOC dog team for their help. We all have a great working relationship, and that comes in very handy,” Harrell said. “But I want people to understand that if you come to Autauga County with ill intentions, you best beware. We are not going to tolerate bad behavior. We will pursue you and place you in jail.”
