Shot to tire ends chase
By Evan Carden SA Editor

A high-speed chase in the McIntosh area Sunday, May 11, ended when a police officer involved in the pursuit shot out the front tire of a speeding motorcycle.

The chase began around 2:30 p.m., when McIntosh Police Sgt. Walter Conner was patrolling north of town and clocked a motorcycle driven by James Morris Wills, 38, of Mobile, doing 85 in a 65 mph zone while traveling south on U.S. Highway 43. Sgt. Conner began to pursue Wills, who turned into the Dollar General store in McIntosh, made a quick u-turn, gunned the motorbike and headed back north on U.S. 43.

Conner continued his pursuit and was joined in the chase by McIntosh Police Officer Blane Barnett. The chase contin- ued north to the Deer Head community, where Wills turned around again and headed southbound on 43. Sgt. Conner radioed Officer Barnett, telling him the speeding motorcycle was headed back toward him.

Barnett crossed the median and faced his patrol car north into the southbound lanes, exited the cruiser and drew his weapon in an attempt to get Wills to stop.

On the video taken by the camera in Barnett's patrol car, Officer Barnett can be seen avoiding being hit by Wills as he passes by at an estimated speed of 100 mph.

On the video it appears that Wills swerves in an attempt to hit the officer. As he goes by, Officer Barnett jumps out of the way just in time, at the same time taking aim at the tire of Wills' motorcycle and firing one shot. Barnett's aim was straighton and punctured the tire of the motorbike.

Wills continued to drive for five to six miles despite the flat tire. He eventually pulled over and surrendered to police just south of the McIntosh town limits.

Wills was arrested and charged with DUI, attempting to elude, reckless endangerment and violation of the prohibition law. He was booked into the Washington County Jail on $3,000 bond.

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