SYLACAUGA, Ala. – A Tennessee woman is facing multiple charges, including drug trafficking, after a vehicle pursuit that began in Harpersville and ended with a crash in Sylacauga on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The Childersburg Police Department said officers were alerted by Talladega County 911 that the Harpersville Police Department was pursuing a vehicle eastbound on Hwy 280 toward Childersburg.
Officers positioned themselves near the Coosa River Bridge and soon observed a white Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed while being pursued by Harpersville police. Childersburg officers joined the pursuit as the vehicle entered the city.
Police said the driver continued east on Hwy 280, allegedly driving recklessly and committing multiple traffic violations. The chase continued over Merkel Mountain, where law enforcement deployed spike strips in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
Authorities said the truck continued through Oak Grove and into Sylacauga before the driver lost control at the intersection of Hwy 280 and Gene E. Stewart Blvd. The vehicle struck a utility pole and a Childersburg Police Department patrol vehicle.
The driver, identified as Patricia Louise Grant of Tennessee, was taken into custody at the scene. Officials said she was transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center for evaluation and later released into Childersburg police custody.
During the investigation, officers reportedly recovered fentanyl from both the vehicle and Grant’s person. Based on the amount seized, investigators charged Grant with drug trafficking. The Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force responded to assist with the narcotics investigation.
Grant has been charged with drug trafficking, attempting to elude a police officer, and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. Police said additional charges could be filed as the investigation remains ongoing.
The Childersburg Police Department credited the Harpersville Police Department, Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Sylacauga Police Department, Sylacauga Fire Department, Sylacauga Ambulance Service, and Sylacauga Utilities for assisting during the incident.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
