CULLMAN COUNTY – Local authorities were involved in a multi-county vehicle pursuit early Friday morning, and it ended in the suspect allegedly wrecking his vehicle intentionally on I-65 north. But Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry believes it could have been a lot worse.
"At about 2 a.m. this morning, a Cullman City Police Department officer observed what he thought was a suspicious vehicle," said Gentry. "After running a check on the vehicle, the occupant was identified as Jason Scott Stephens, 44, of Randolph County, Alabama. I want to commend the actions of the city police officer, because once he checked, it was discovered that the driver was someone who is very familiar to our victim services deputy."
Gentry says that the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has stalking warrants on Stephens, and the victim he is accused of stalking lives close to where Stephens was found.
"I cannot tell you what his intentions were in driving from Randolph County to Cullman County, but I do not believe his intentions were good. These actions by the officer thwarted any potential violent acts."
According to Gentry, once Stephens was identified, he fled, and officers from the Cullman City Police Department and the CCSO pursued him. He drove down Highway 31, through Hanceville, into Blount County. He then took exit 287 north onto I-65.
"Once he was on the interstate, he called 911 and spoke to dispatch," said Gentry. "Dispatch advised him to pull over and surrender. From what he told dispatch, it led dispatch and pursuing officers and deputies to believe that his mindset was both suicidal and homicidal."
Gentry says that as the chase progressed north, authorities in Morgan County were notified, and officers from Falkville and Hartselle joined the pursuit.
When Stephens reached exit 325, he allegedly ran his vehicle off the road and wrecked.
"Actions observed by officers would lead a person to believe Stephens intentionally wrecked," said Gentry. "at which time deputies and officers rendered medical attention."
Gentry says that Stephens, who was traveling faster than the posted speed limit at the time of the crash, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
"It was very evident that his accident was intentional on his part," Gentry stressed.
No other vehicles were involved, and no one else sustained any injuries, according to the sheriff.
"At the time of the pursuit, there was no traffic on the interstate," he said. "I pray that no one is ever hurt. Citizens are our priority. But I will never apologize for keeping victims in our community safe. Everyone involved acted professionally and proficiently. We protected the citizens in our community."
Gentry says he investigation is ongoing.
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