Alexander City man continues to elude law enforcement
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Law enforcement officers continue to look for Alan Sandlin Jr. Photo submitted
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
Sheriff Michael Howell is encouraging citizens to continue to be watchful and vigilant as a search remains ongoing for an Alexander City man.
As of press time, Howell said they believe the man is back in the Alexander City area. However, he asks that anyone who does see the man, identified as Alan Sandlin Jr., call the Sheriff’s Office at 256-377-4922 or Alexander City Police Department at 256-234-3421 with any information regarding his whereabouts.
Howell stated that Sandlin was warrants through other agencies. He added that last Saturday Alexander City Police Department attempted to stop Sandlin in Alexander City, and he led them on a high-speed chase into Coosa County.
Howell said that while attempting to elude law enforcement, Sandlin eventually wrecked the vehicle just west of County Road 150 in Stewartville at U.S. Highway 280, hitting another vehicle and causing a vehicle crash there.
Howell reported that Sandlin then got out and fled from the scene on foot, running with a bag that he took from the vehicle. He said that Sandlin also did not have on any shoes at the time, and it was determined later on that he stole shoes from a resident in the Stewartville area.
The Sheriff’s Office later received a call that Sandlin was seen in a local gas station. Howell said that after Sandlin left the store, someone made contact with him.
At that point Sandlin reportedly brandished a firearm at the individual and “took off running again,” according to Howell. He said they had also received reports that Sandlin had attempted to snatch a cell phone from a juvenile under the age of 10.
Howell said that the Sheriff’s Office also contacted the state K-9 team to come out and assist with the search, as well as the state helicopter unit. However, he said they believe Sandlin was picked up and taken back to the Alexander City area shortly after the last contact of him brandishing the weapon.
Sandlin is considered by law enforcement to be armed and dangerous. Howell said that the last he had heard was that Sandlin was still on the run and had not yet been arrested.