Two individuals were taken into custody Thursday night following a vehicle chase and foot pursuit.
Sheriff Jeff Shaver informed WEIS Radio News that Cherokee County deputies and Leesburg Police officers were conducting a Driver’s License and Safety Checkpoint at the intersection of Alabama Highway 273 and Pemco Drive in Leesburg when a vehicle approached – then quickly sped through the checkpoint, nearly striking a deputy and a Leesburg officer before speeding north on 273.
Law enforcement, including Cedar Bluff Police, pursued the vehicle on multiple roads along Highway 273 and lost sight of the vehicle several times because the driver was turning off his headlights. Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Nick Vaughn saw the suspects on County Road 136, and again began pursuit. The suspects turned onto County Road 48, where Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Sheldon Estes and Leesburg Officer Shane Butler managed to disable their vehicle through the use of spike strips.
The occupants of that vehicle, later identified as Tyler Nathanial Adams, age 20 of Leesburg, and Darris O’Neil Grace age 22 of Augusta, Georgia fled on foot into the woods. Adams, who was carrying a stolen pistol, dropped it and was quickly apprehended. Grace, who was also armed was apprehended after he broke into a vehicle at a nearby residence; both men were transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center on a long list of charges.
Adams, the driver – was charged with Attempting to Elude, with two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, Receiving Stolen Property 1st Degree and 4th Degree, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Resisting Arrest and DUI. Adams was served with warrants for Failure to Appear on Domestic Violence and a Bond Revocation; meanwhile, Grace was charged with Attempting to Elude, Receiving Stolen Property 1st Degree, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit and two counts of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.
Chief Deputy Josh Summerford said, “We’re thankful that no law enforcement was injured during this dangerous incident. All of the deputies and officers involved did a great job by removing these extremely reckless individuals from the roadway.”
Both currently remain in the Cherokee County Detention Center with bond for Adams set at $10,000 and bond for Grace set at $12,000.