1
FLORENCE-On June 9, 2026, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Deputy Stephen Ritter was in the area of Skypark Road and Florence Boulevard following up on a tip regarding a vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier that day in Florence.
Deputy Ritter located the stolen vehicle, a black Cadillac Escalade, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled westbound on Florence Boulevard. The pursuit continued onto Veterans Drive and eventually ended on North Pine Street in Florence when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed.
The driver was taken into custody and arrested without further incident.
Arrested and Charged:
James Hoyt Powell, 37, Florence.
Theft of Property 1st
Felony Attempting to Elude
Driving w/o License
Improper Lane Use
Reckless Driving
Running Stop Sign x3
Running Red Light x 3
Driving on Wrong Side of Road
Total Bond $33,600
Media Release/Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Deparment
