BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo by Carrie Cooper, Special to the EAN
A Valley Grande man identified as Justin Jefferson is in custody at the Autauga County jail after a high speed pursuit in Autauga County around 11:40 a.m. this morning.
Two of his children, who were passengers in the vehicle, were injured when the pursuit ended in Autaugaville, as Jefferson lost control and struck several vehicles. A one-year-old female remains hospitalized, while a five-year-old male was treated and released. Both children had been flown by LifeFlight to an area hospital for their injuries.
An Autauga County deputy was attempting to stop Jefferson’s vehicle when the pursuit began. It was later determined Jefferson had warrants for his arrest from the Prattville Police Department.
Jefferson reportedly left the scene at a high rate of speed with a deputy following, attempting to stop the vehicle. Other deputies and law enforcement, including the Prattville Police, responded to the chase for assistance.
The chase began near County Road 3 in the area of Bear Creek Swamp when the deputy, over the radio, let dispatch know he was in a pursuit, and called out speeds as the chase progressed. At times, those speeds were at 115 miles per hour. The EAN was monitoring radio traffic during the chase. At one point, the deputy notified dispatch that there were children in the vehicle, also reporting he was passing the Agriculture Center heading into Autaugaville.
A short time later, the deputy reported over the radio that a wreck had occurred with the suspect vehicle and he called for assistance and medical personnel. Jefferson’s vehicle struck two parked cars and clipped a truck near the Minnow Bucket in Autaugaville. The roadway was blocked for some time, as LifeFlight landed nearby to transport the injured children.
Jefferson is facing multiple charges, including attempting to elude, assault and unrelated warrants from the Prattville Police Department. More charges could be pending. His mugshot was not immediately available, as the website for the jail log is down for maintenance issues.
