PHOTO: Michael Jacob Leftwich, age 32 of Mentone, faces several charges after leading Fort Payne Police Officers on a chase from Gault Avenue in Fort Payne to Hammondville. (Fort Payne Police Department)

By Staff Reports

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the Fort Payne Police Department: On Monday, January 22nd, Patrolman Nick Hill observed a Ford Focus station wagon run a red light at the South Y and Gault Ave intersection. Patrolman Hill attempted to stop the vehicle but it accelerated and continued North on Gault to the North Y.

It was later determined the vehicle was being driven by Michael Jacob Leftwich, age 32 of 17908 County Road 89 Mentone.  

The vehicle continued up Gault past the city limits and entered Valley Head city limits. The vehicle pursuit continued through the town with Valley Head Police assisting to help stop the vehicle.

The vehicle driven by Leftwich turned left on Palmer Road then left the roadway and skidded into a tree. Leftwich was removed from the vehicle and had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person. Leftwich was placed under arrest for Attempting to Elude and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

He was written several moving violations, an inventory of his vehicle revealed marijuana, marijuana honey, cookies that contained THC, a marijuana smoking pipe, an open bottle of Gentleman Jack Whiskey, and several items of drug paraphernalia.

Leftwich was also charged with Possession of Marijuana 1st. 

Also recovered in the arrest was a loaded Glock 43 9mm pistol.