Man steals beverage truck, then assaults police officers in Collinsville

Man steals beverage truck, then assaults police officers in Collinsville

PHOTO: 39 year old La Morris Strickland of Roanoke, Alabama was arrested after stealing a beverage struck, and then assaulting police officers. (Collinsville Police Department)

By Staff Reports

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — According to the Collinsville Police Department: On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, Deputy Chief Rex Leath was dispatched to the Mapco located at the intersection of AL Hwy 68 and I-59. When Deputy Chief Leath arrived the clerk told him that a Supreme Beverage delivery truck had been stolen from the parking lot and that the truck was located at the Delta Express just across the highway. Deputy Chief Leath made contact with a black male identified as La Morris Strickland 39 years old of Roanoke, AL.

La Morris Strickland, 39 of Roanoke, AL. (Collinsville Police Department)

Deputy Chief Leath asked Strickland what he was doing in the truck and he stated he was making deliveries. The Supreme Beverage driver made contact with Deputy Chief Leath and stated that Strickland had gotten into the truck and drove off in it. Deputy Chief Leath then placed Strickland under arrest for Theft of Property 1st. Strickland was transported to the Collinsville City Jail to be booked and processed. During the booking process Strickland became belligerent and noncompliant.

Deputy Chief Leath and Reserve Officer Amanda McCormick dry stunned Strickland. Strickland then began to fight with officers for several minutes. During the confrontation Strickland punched Reserve Officer Amanda McCormick in the face and shoved her to the ground. Deputy Chief Leath confronted Strickland and they ran outside the front door of the police department. Deputy Chief Leath then tased Strickland.

When Deputy Chief Leath tried to get control over Strickland he then punched Deputy Chief Leath in the face. Several bystanders saw what was happening and they tackled Strickland to the ground and he was then cuffed and placed under arrest for other charges. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Crossville Police Department arrived and assisted with Strickland.

As Strickland was being placed into the back of the patrol unit he slapped Deputy Chief Leath in the face. Strickland was transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center and charged with Theft of Property 1st, Escape 1st, and 3 counts of Assault on a Police Officer.

He has bonds totaling $52,500. Deputy Chief Leath would like to especially thank the bystanders that stepped up and assisted and also Dekalb County Deputy Cagle and Dekalb County Deputy Brown and Crossville Police Department Asst. Chief Jacky Clayton.