A 21-year-old man from Bedford has been charged with a felony following a high-speed police pursuit through Allen. The charges were filed in Pontotoc County District Court, according to reports.
The suspect faces one felony count of endangering others while eluding peace officers. He also holds two misdemeanor charges for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and failure to maintain compulsory insurance. Additionally, he received two traffic citations for speeding 36 mph over the limit and driving without a valid license.
The incident began on July 17 during a traffic stop initiated by Allen Police Officer Jeremy Burris. Burris stated he was monitoring radar near the Allen Nutrition Center around 7:30 p.m. when he recorded a Volkswagen Jetta traveling west on State Highway 1 at 86 mph in a 45 mph zone.
As the vehicle entered a 35 mph zone, its speed dropped to 82 mph. Burris activated his emergency lights and sirens. The driver pulled into the Allen Quick Pic convenience store at the intersection of SH 1 and North Easton Street. Upon approaching the car, Burris reported smelling marijuana from the open driver’s side window.
When asked why he was speeding in a 35 mph zone, the man reportedly said he needed gas. He told officers he did not have a driver’s license or insurance. When asked for identification or a social security number, he again stated he did not have those items.
After Burris called dispatch to identify the vehicle’s owner, he saw the brake lights activate. The suspect drove out of the parking lot and south on Easton Street, initiating a chase.
During the pursuit, Burris noted speeds reaching 66 mph in a 30 mph zone. The driver ran multiple stop signs at intersections including Railroad and Easton, East Broadway, Lee Street, and SH 48. At one point, the vehicle traveled north on Memphis Street before turning west on Lexington.
