DECATUR-Two Decatur Police Officers initiated a traffic stop for reckless driving and it did not end as you would suppose. Here is how the Decatur Police Department describe ensuing events leading up to arrest:
Kristopher Wayne Hale
“On April 23, 2014 Officer Macklin and Officer Williams with the Decatur Police Department’s Patrol Division initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for driving recklessly near Wimberly Dr. and Fairgrounds Rd. SW. Officers initiated a stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Modaus Rd. and Fairgrounds Rd. SW. Officers approached the vehicle and identified the driver as Kristopher Wayne Hale and the passenger as Selina Dobbins. There was also a 12-year-old juvenile riding in the car.
Officers obtained Hale and Dobbins information and checked them for warrants. They were advised that Hale had a suspended driver’s license and active warrants through Decatur Police Department and Madison Police Department. Officers approached Hale to have him exit the car to be arrested and Hale sped away in his vehicle leading officers on a dangerous pursuit.
As officers pursed Hale on Spring Ave. they made a left turn onto Cedar Lake Rd. As Hale made the turn, officers observed a black bag being thrown outside of the driver’s window. The officer’s continued to pursue Hale while other officers secured the black bag that was thrown from the vehicle.
Hale turned into Cedar Key Apartments and stopped his vehicle. After stopping, officer’s attempted to take Hale into custody. Hale resisted officers. After a brief struggle, officers were able to detain Hale.
Officers that recovered the black bag that had been thrown from Hale’s vehicle opened it up. Inside the bag, they observed an active “one pot” meth lab. Also in the bag, officers observed other items that are used in the manufacturing process of a controlled substance.
The on-call narcotics investigator responded to the scene. The lab was then processed, collected and disposed of.
Hale was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Chemical Endangerment of a child, Attempting to flee or elude a police officer, Reckless Endangerment, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Driving While Suspended and a Failure to Appear warrant in Decatur City.
Hale was transported to Decatur City Jail and booked in. Hale was later transferred to Morgan County Jail in lieu of a $12,500.00
Hale is currently out on bond for a previous felony charge. Investigators are attempting to revoke Hale’s bond.”
