JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
A routine traffic stop for speeding on the Gray bypass led to an arrest for multiple charges after the driver decided to attempt to elude officers.
Eric Deshawn Bell, 28, was arrested March 8 and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. His other charges include a probation violation, speeding in excess of maximum limits, suspended or revoked license, license to be examined on demand, reckless driving, too fast for conditions, passing in a no-passing zone, failure to signal when turning or changing lanes and failure to maintain lane.
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kasey Carr stated in his report of the incident that he was on routine patrol on the bypass when he noticed a Honda Accord traveling northbound at a high rate of speed.
Radar alerted him the vehicle was traveling 80 mph in a 60-mph zone. Carr said he conducted a traffic stop and informed the driver the reason for the stop. The officer said the driver was apologetic and identified himself by name and date of birth.
Carr said, while he talked to Bell and his passenger, he noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the car.
The sergeant said he checked Bell on his computer to confirm he had a valid license but was also alerted that the driver had several active warrants.
The officer said he heard a screech and looked up to see the Honda taking off. Carr said he pursued the vehicle and informed dispatch of Bell’s information. He said dispatch informed him that the driver had 18 felony warrants out of Wilkinson County with three of them being for aggravated assault.
The sergeant said at the end of the bypass, Bell picked up speed and headed north on Highway 22. He asked for backup units to assist and noted the Honda was maintaining speeds of 90 mph.
Carr said Deputy Matthew Dennis joined in the pursuit and requested assistance from Baldwin County with spike strips to stop the Honda at the intersection of Old Monticello Highway.
Carr said as they approached the intersection, he noticed the Honda was slowing down. The sergeant said he saw the driver door open and come to a stop. He said Bell exited the vehicle and took off on foot.
Carr said he gave chase on foot into the woods, and Baldwin County Deputies were able to catch Bell and secure him.
Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece announced the March 9 pursuit and arrest of Bell on his Facebook page.
“It was discovered that Bell has outstanding warrants out of four different counties, including Wilkinson County, where he has three warrants for aggravated assault,” the sheriff said. “Guess when you’re in that much trouble, adding a fleeing or attempting to elude charge doesn’t seem like such a big deal.”
