According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, early Sunday morning a Piedmont man attempted to elude law enforcement in the Jordan's Gin area. Corporal Smith was conducting a business check at Unity Hill Church when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on County Road 31. He attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued at speeds over 100 mph. The pursuit came to an end when the vehicle pulled behind a residence on County Road 33. The driver was identified as Steven Curtis Delevie (33 y/o). Delevie was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center for Attempt to Elude (Felony), Driving Under the Influence, and Violation of Prohibition Law.

According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, last weekend Lieutenant Vaughn was patrolling on County Road 19, when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and attempted to stop it. The vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit ensued with speeds over 100 mph. The vehicle later came to a stop near the end of County Road 19. The driver was identified as a juvenile and was arrested and transported to Coosa Valley Youth Services on Attempt to Elude (Felony).

The Alabama Legislature, this past session, gave law enforcement across the State another tool in dealing with pursuits. The new law, sponsored by Representative Ginny Shaver, creates multiple reasons that attempting to elude becomes a felony; including speeding greater than 20 miles per hour during the pursuit. According to Chief Deputy Josh Summerford, criminals almost always exceed speeds over 20 MPH of the speed limit when running from law enforcement.

"We are very appreciative of the Legislature, and Rep. Shaver's leadership, in providing this new tool to try to prevent pursuits and to hold those accountable for creating these dangerous situations," said Chief Deputy Summerford.

The new law went into effect on September 1st.