Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
A Jasper man was arrested on Saturday, May 20, following a high speed chase that occurred on Tuesday, May 16, in Hamilton County.
According to the arrest report filed with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Deputy James Fannin was conducting a zone check on County Road 132 on Tuesday, May 16, when he observed a silver Toyota Camry traveling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of County Road 132 and Southeast 137th Boulevard. Upon activating his radar, he discovered the vehicle was traveling at 79 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. At this time, Deputy Fannin began slowing down in order to turn around and get behind the Camry, at which time he noticed a New York temporary tag in the back glass.
The report states as the vehicle passed him, Deputy Fannin was able to identify the male driver as 22-year-old Cole Garrett Selph, as he'd made contact with the individual numerous times in the past. After turning around to conduct the traffic stop, Deputy Fannin activated his emergency lights and sirens. At this time, Selph turned onto Southeast 137th Boulevard and proceeded to accelerate. The pursuit continued onto Southeast 87th Terrace, where Selph continued to travel at a high rate of speed. However, as he had already identified the driver, Deputy Fannin terminated the pursuit for public safety reasons. Selph had not been located at the time of the report, so a warrant was obtained by Judge Jamie Tyndal.
Later that week, on Saturday, May 20, Deputy Fannin conducted a traffic stop for window tint on a silver Toyota Camry bearing the same New York temporary tag he'd seen days before. While informing the female driver of the reason for the stop, Deputy Fannin observed Selph in the passenger seat. After verifying the female's driver's license was valid, he asked Selph to exit the vehicle. Selph complied and, once out of the car, was ordered to turn around and place his hands behind his back. Deputy Fannin's report states, at this time, Selph tensed up in attempt to restrict the movement of his arms in order to evade being placed in handcuffs. Selph was then placed against the side of the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident. The driver was issued a warning for the window tint violation and released.
Following the interaction, Selph was transported to the Hamilton County Jail, where he was charged with fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer at a high rate of speed.