Warren faces charges after chase

By Kathryn “Chazz” Hirschfeld
Staff writer
MARION COUNTY — Thomas Donald Warren, 39, of Nauvoo, was arrested on Friday, April 12, at approximately 11 p.m. by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
His multiple charges include felony attempting to elude, third-degree criminal mischief, possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, two counts of failure to stop at a stop sign, four counts of failure to signal, switched tag, no tail lights and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams gave more details about the incident on April 15.
He said he had deputies working in the northeast part of the county after receiving reports of drug activity in the area, as well as motorists using excessive speeds on the roads.
Deputy Cody Holland was on County Highway 143 when he spotted a Ford Ranger pickup making a turn onto County Highway 34 without using a signal. The vehicle’s tail lights were also out.
When Holland tried to pull the suspect over, he began speeding away.
The high speed chase continued down County Highway 34 for approximately four miles, with two other deputies also responding. Deputy David Oliver was closest, working nearby, and deputy Bradley Blaylock was also in the area.
From County Highway 34, the suspect turned onto State Highway 241. He traveled down this road a short distance and then tried to turn onto County Highway 48.
“He lost control of the vehicle and went through a fence at the intersection,” Williams said. “He jumped out and ran toward the woods and hid next to a creek. The deputies found him laying on his stomach and made the arrest.”
Williams said the Bear Creek Police Department also assisted, with the Haleyville Police Department on the way when the incident ended.
Williams said he was glad the encounter ended with no harm to law enforcement or the suspect, who remains in the county jail under a $25,500 bond.
Besides all the law enforcement officers involved, he noted the public’s help was also beneficial…