By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum: On Tuesday, September 9, Fort Payne Police Officer Landry Bowen responded to a stranded motorist on I-59 northbound approximately one (1) mile from the exit ramp.

Bowen made contact with the motorist and determined that the vehicle was able to move under its own power; however, the officer follows the motorist to avoid someone striking the vehicle en route to Exit 218.

According to Bowen, a vehicle then approached from behind, did not change lanes, and struck his police car even after he attempted to move into the emergency lane.

Tremel Dwayne Evans, 32 of Moody, was operating the 2008 Ford Focus and pushed the police vehicle completely off the roadway. A two-year-old child was also traveling with Evans.

Evans was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Reckless Endangerment of a Child, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Evans was processed without incident at the Fort Payne Police Department.