CHILDERSBURG – A police officer was injured in a drive-away incident at a safety checkpoint near Eighth and Sixth avenues Southwest in the early morning hours on Saturday.Sgt. Jamie Hammond suffered road rash injuries to his arms and knees after being dragged alongside a red Chevy Beretta for 20 to 30 yards at about 1:50 a.m. Saturday, said Police Chief Charles Brown.
Hammond was running a regular safety checkpoint when he approached Childersburg resident Jeffrey Morris, who was driving the Beretta. Hammond saw a weapon lying in the back seat of the vehicle when he reached for Morris’ identification, and Morris allegedly grabbed the officer and hit the accelerator, releasing him about 30 yards down the road. A high-speed chase followed, in which Morris led police all the way through Sylacauga and almost to the county line before they were able to pull him over and arrest him.
Morris is being charged with assault in the second degree and driving under the influence of alcohol, Brown said. Second-degree assault is a Class C felony, punishable upon conviction with imprisonment for one year and one day up to 10 years and a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Morris had his first hearing Monday morning and bond was set at $50,000.
Hammond was treated at Coosa Valley Medical Center and has been released. He will likely return to work today, Brown said.
