DPD arrests man following lengthy chase

A Demopolis man is in custody following a lengthy vehicle chase that led to an on-foot escape attempt Friday night.

The chase initiated when Demopolis Police Department officer Josh Ochiltree attempt to stop a blue Kia sedan for speeding. The vehicle, which had been traveling north on Jefferson Road, did not heed the Ochiltree’s signals and proceeded until heading eastbound on U.S. Highway 80. DPD officials report the driver of the sedan then pulled a U-turn in front of Red Barn before turning northward onto Front Street. The chase continued to Jefferson Street and then to Jackson before the vehicle turned down West Prout where the suspect attempted to continue despite a dead end.

“When he came to the end of the street, he drove off the road through a chain link fence and attempted to jump a hill and land on West Pettus,” Demopolis Public Safety Director Tommie Reese said via press release. “

The attempted maneuver resulted in the vehicle taking a nosedive, leading the driver to exit the Kia when he proceeded to flee on foot. Reese said the driver was apprehended while attempting to hide under a residence on West Pettus.

DPD officials identified the driver as Lazarus Cornell Mitchell of Demopolis and proceeded to charge him with DUI, Resisting Arrest, Attempting to Elude and Criminal Mischief as well as numerous traffic violations. Upon apprehending Mitchell, officers also discovered outstanding warrants on him in Demopolis, Linden and Hale County.