Driver Hits 2 Patrol Cars While Fleeing Scene

Earl Dallas

By Jessie Williams 

Lafayette resident Earl Joseph Dallas, age 43, is behind bars on a long list of charges after crashing into police vehicles while attempting to flee local law enforcement.

According to an Affidavit of Complaint filed by Deputy Tyler Gann of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, he was on patrol February 8, 2023 when he witnessed a maroon van traveling on Akersville Rd. with no tag displayed. 

Deputy Gann attempted to make a traffic stop, however the driver continued traveling north on Akersville Rd. 

During the pursuit, Officer Gann states that Mr. Dallas tried to run him off the road and crossed the center line numerous times, traveling at approximately 86 mph in a 45 mph zone. 

As Dallas drove south on Akersvile Rd. he made a wide turn onto Driver Rd., and Deputy Gann attempted to block the roadway with his patrol car. 

At that time, Dallas struck the patrol car on the rear passenger side and put his vehicle in reverse, backing into another deputy’s patrol car.

Deputy Gann, who was standing outside of his vehicle giving verbal commands to Mr. Dallas to stop, stated that he was nearly struck by Dallas as well.

The pursuit continued as Dallas continued to drive recklessly, and law enforcement became more concerned for the safety of the public. 

Deputy Gann performed a ‘pit maneuver’ at the intersection of Galen Rd. and Driver Rd., which was successful, but Mr. Dallas refused to exit his vehicle. 

Dallas was eventually taken into custody without further incident.

Upon speaking with him, officers detected a strong odor coming from his person. 

An open beer can in a coozie, still cool to the touch, was found on the passenger side floorboard. An inventory search of the van also revealed rolling papers, a hand gun and a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana.

The van Mr. Dallas was driving was not registered, he did not have insurance on the vehicle and he did not have a valid driver’s license. 

He was charged with evading arrest, driving under the influence, possession of a weapon while under the influence, possession of a weapon during a felony, freckles endangerment, reckless driving, vandalism, simple possession, leaving the scene of an accident and resisting stop/frisk/halt arrest. He was also charged with cruelty to animals and violation of probation in an unrelated incident.

His bond was at $61,000, and he is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on March 8, 2023.