SUPERIOR COURT
A Jones County defendant who attempted to run from law enforcement during a traffic stop received two years to serve in confinement following the entry of a guilty plea last week.
Eric Deshawn Bell entered his plea Jan. 29 following plea negotiations with the state. He was sentenced to two years for the offense of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
Bell is to receive credit for time served in custody from the date of his arrest or as determined by the custodian.
The defendant was arrested March 8, 2023, and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. His other charges included 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.
Arrest report
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 talking 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 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 as the vehicle came 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.
