After a two-state chase that started in Trenton, Ga., and ended in Flat Rock, Ala., last Sunday, authorities are looking for a man who is still at large and considered "armed and dangerous."
Alabama authorities are seeking 27-year-old Flat Rock resident Nickolas Donavan Brooks. He is believed to be carrying at least two weapons and is said to have made remarks about shooting police as he was being pursued across state lines, Jackson County Sheriff Chuck Phillips said in a statement.
Jackson County deputies said Brooks was with Bailey Leeann Taylor, 21, and Johnathon Ray Gore, 38, both of Fyffe, Ala., when their vehicle crashed after a pursuit on County Road 685 around 11 p.m. CDT May 7.
Taylor and Gore are each charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of marijuana second degree; possession of drug paraphernalia; two counts of possession of a sawed-off or short-barreled shotgun, and possession of firearm with an altered serial number, authorities said. Both remain in the Jackson County Jail with bonds set at $23,100 for each of the defendants.
Trenton Police Chief Christy Smith said the chase began after city officers stopped the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser the three were in, but as the officer neared the vehicle, the driver took off and a pursuit began that soon crossed the state line and continued up Sand Mountain.
Smith said charges of evading arrest and reckless driving are pending in Georgia against the three, and she said her office is working with Jackson County investigators.
Trenton officers' job performance was "textbook," the chief said. Smith said no one was injured and no police vehicles were damaged in the pursuit.
The trio's worst troubles are in Alabama.
Phillips said Brooks has outstanding arrest warrants for third- degree domestic violence, third-degree escape and probation revocation.
Dade County sheriff's deputies responded to the crash scene with a tracking dog but were unable to locate Brooks. However, the dogs located a handgun believed to have been dropped by Brooks as he fled.
During a search of the vehicle, police seized several other weapons, including a shotgun with altered serial numbers, two "sawed-off" (or short-barreled) shotguns, a 9 mm pistol and a .22-caliber pistol.
Officers also seized a large bag of suspected methamphetamine - weighing an estimated 25 grams - marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a bulletproof vest with "F U Police" written on the front panel.
The sheriff said that during the investigation, officers learned Brooks was making remarks about shooting at the police during the chase.
Jackson County authorities said Brooks is now considered a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information about Brooks' whereabouts should not approach him, but instead should call 911 or their local law enforcement office, authorities said.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.