Florala man leads 2-county chase

Published 12:03 am Friday, May 31, 2013

A two-county police chase, foot pursuit and manhunt put a Florala man behind bars Wednesday.

Florala Police Chief Sonny Bedsole said an FPD officer attempted to make a traffic stop on Melvin Williams, 32, who was speeding on McPhail Farm Road just before 5 a.m.

“When the officer turned around on Williams, that was when the chase began,” Bedsole said. “The chase ended on Coffee County 187 when Williams wrecked his pickup in a corn field.”

Bedsole said the vehicles were traveling in excess of 120 mph, and when Williams crashed, he “bailed out and fled into a wooded area” in the Goodman Community of Coffee County.

Bedsole said the FPD officer followed protocol and waited for backup to arrive before beginning the manhunt. Samson and Kinston police officers assisted as Covington County Sheriff’s Posse K9 units responded to the scene.

Bedsole said it was unknown why Williams ran; however, he could confirm that Williams has a previous drug conviction.

“It’s a unfortunate start to summer,” Bedsole said of the incident. “The officer attempted to tase Williams, but only one probe went in. Williams then outran the officer and hid in the woods.”

Just before 7 a.m., Williams came from the wooded area and was taken into custody without incident.

Williams is facing numerous charges including attempting to elude, reckless endangerment and aggravated speeding. Under the state probation and parole department’s direction, Williams is currently being held without bond in the Covington County Jail. He could face additional charges in Coffee County.