A police chase from eastern Lowndes County into Alabama involving speeds of up to 90 mph and a deputy firing shots ended with an Ethelsville, Alabama man in custody Wednesday night.
No injuries were reported from the chase, which began when a Lowndes County deputy pulled over James Michael Prestridge, 44, in the GMC pickup he was driving near the intersection of Mount Vernon and Phillips Hill roads at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. When the deputy suspected Prestridge was driving under the influence, Prestridge fled the traffic stop in his vehicle, according to a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office press release.
The press release said Prestridge pulled over a second time on Highway 182 East but fled again after “a brief altercation with deputies.”
Prestridge took Highway 182 East into Pickens County, Alabama while going speeds of more than 90 mph, the release said. At one point during the chase, authorities said, he attempted to run over a Lowndes County deputy which resulted in a deputy firing shots. Prestridge later stopped his vehicle on Highway 182 East where both Lowndes County and Pickens County deputies took him into custody.
Chief Deputy Greg Wright said the deputy who fired shots has not been put on administrative leave, which typically only happens in a police shooting with injuries.
Prestridge is currently in the custody of Pickens County Sheriff’s Office but will be extradited to Lowndes County where he is expected to face charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement. PCSO is currently investigating crimes related to the chase which occurred in their jurisdiction.
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