Pursuit ends after vehicle hits residence
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Michael Eugene Hilburn
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
A pursuit late last month ended with an arrest after the vehicle struck a house on County Road 66.
On January 25, Deputy Travis Ward was on patrol near the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and County Road 49 when he observed a pickup truck traveling eastbound on Highway 280 that was speeding and driving erratically.
Ward attempted to stop the vehicle, but it continued traveling at a high rate of speed. At one point the driver attempted to turn off the highway, but hit road signs in the process.
The driver continued speeding, and eventually the pursuit continued onto County Road 66, where it was reported that the driver continued at a high rate of speed and ran numerous stop signs. The vehicle was reportedly going too fast on County Road 66 and ultimately struck an occupied dwelling.
The driver, who climbed out of his vehicle after the crash, was identified as 47-year-old Michael Eugene Hilburn of the Goodwater area. Stewartville Volunteer Fire Department and Sylacauga medics responded, and Hilburn was checked by medics and deemed to be okay.
However, Hilburn failed a sobriety test and was placed under arrest. He was charged with attempting to elude law enforcement officers, driving under the influence, first-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree criminal mischief.
Hilburn was transported to the Coosa County Jail without further incident. His bond was set at $16,000 for all charges, and he has since been transferred to the Alabama Department of Corrections.