Photo: Paul Douglas Adams
A high-speed pursuit in Stone County Monday night led to a vehicle overturning then catching fire, with law enforcement pulling the driver from the wreckage and the man fleeing.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old Paul Douglas Adams, has been charged with felony counts of fleeing in a vehicle and second-degree battery. Adams also faces misdemeanors of resisting arrest, fleeing on foot and reckless driving. His record also reflects him being charged as a habitual offender. His address was not available on online court documents.
The incident began with a Stone County deputy’s pursuit of Adams’ vehicle, as it traveled at approximately 80 miles per hour and was reportedly “all over the road.” The extensive pursuit would reach in excess of 100 miles per hour.
Adams’ vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch, struck a culvert and went airborne, rolling nose over tail, hitting the ground again before landing upside down with the car’s motor on fire.
The deputy approached the wrecked vehicle and observed the driver’s side door completely caved in. He called out several times without hearing a response and went to the passenger’s side of the vehicle. He found it, too, caved in. Reaching through the back passenger’s side window to open the back door, the deputy observed Adams slumped over the center console.
The deputy pulled Adams out of the fiery vehicle from the back, removing parts of the seat to free the driver. Adams reportedly became responsive and “began to state he was sorry.”
When told he was under arrest, Adams said he was not going to jail and fled.
The deputy tripped Adams and attempted to place him in a hand restraint. Adams then swung at the deputy punching him in the face.
The deputy fell to the ground but was able to catch Adams and tackle him, as the suspect continued swinging at the officer.
Adams headbutted the deputy and was able to get up and flee a third time. An unsuccessful attempt was made to tase Adams.
A second deputy arrived, and Adams was cut off, as he fled through a nearby yard and into a wooded area.
Adams finally complied with commands, but the struggle was not over. The three continued to struggle, with one of the officers sustaining bruises to his legs and chest.
The injured deputy and Adams were taken to the Stone County Medical Center’s emergency room.
With Adams eventually in custody, a check of his criminal record showed he has a suspended driver’s license. He has been convicted of theft by receiving in Pope County and possession of a controlled substance, meth, cocaine or heroin out of Jackson County.
He is being held on a $100,000 bond.
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