Two Arrested After High-Speed Chase Crosses State Lines into Alabama
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Two people are facing multiple charges after a high-speed police chase that began in DeKalb County, Alabama, crossed into Georgia before ending back in Alabama.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Monday, April 9, around 7:40 p.m., when a deputy spotted a white Mitsubishi traveling at a high rate of speed on County Road 141 near Highway 75.
When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, authorities say the driver refused to stop and instead accelerated to speeds over 100 miles per hour, initiating a pursuit. Deputies followed the vehicle into Dade county Georgia along Highway 301 before the driver turned around and re-entered Jackson County, Alabama.
Law enforcement says a deputy eventually performed a PIT maneuver, forcing the vehicle off the roadway at the intersection of County Road 73 and County Road 93.
As deputies approached, the driver—identified as 52-year-old Byron Ray Gentry of Flat Rock—reportedly reversed the vehicle and nearly struck an officer before continuing a short distance and fleeing on foot.
Authorities say 39-year-old Chloe Michelle McDonald of Trenton then jumped into the driver’s seat in an attempt to continue the escape. Deputies quickly boxed in the vehicle and took both suspects into custody.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies say they found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.
Gentry faces multiple charges, including felony attempt to elude, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, and possession of a firearm by an addict. Authorities also say he had outstanding warrants in Georgia for probation violation.
McDonald is charged with second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, attempting to elude, and resisting arrest.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden called the incident a dangerous pursuit that could have ended in tragedy, adding that coordinated efforts by deputies helped bring it to a safe conclusion.
Both suspects remain in custody.