On August 2, 2009, Fort Payne Police Officers made a traffic stop at the Intersection of Dean Road and Desoto Parkway.  While attempting to place the driver under arrest for DUI and Narcotics Violation the driver broke away from the officer and got back in car.  Stephen Cane Alexander, age 45 of Fort Payne, was tazed but was able to get in vehicle and left at a high rate of speed.  A chase ensued, the vehicle traveled on Wallace Ave toward Cherokee County. 

During the chase, objects were thrown from the vehicle containing narcotics and other drug paraphernalia.  The offender turned left at Blanche crossing continuing into Cherokee County toward Georgia into the Menlo Area.  The rear passenger, who was identified later as Phil Harris Bryant, age 39 of Fort Payne, jumped from rear of vehicle and rolled into ditch. 

The driver drove a short distance and wrecked into a tree line near the Dollar General in Menlo.  He then ran into the woods and was apprehended moments later after a brief struggle.  The chase reached speeds at times of 100 miles an hour.  Those arrested, Stephen Alexander, face charges of DUI of a Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, Reckless Endangerment, and Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance; Phil Bryant faces charges of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  The suspects were taken into custody with injury. 

A third occupant of vehicle, a female, ran from vehicle and left the scene, her identity is known at this time, warrants for her are pending. 

Fort Payne Police were assisted by Alabama State Troopers, Georgia State Troopers, Chattooga County Deputies and Georgia Drug Task Force agents.  Fort Payne Police Department wishes to thank the agencies involved in this pursuit for their professionalism.