A 911 call from a child on Monday initiated a police response on Highway 79 in Florida that resulted in the arrest of a man on seven felony and misdemeanor charges, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
911 Call and Traffic Stop
The Washington County Communications Center received a 911 call from a child reporting that the adults they were traveling with were fighting while driving. The caller specified their location as Highway 79 and described the vehicle before the call was disconnected.
Deputies were dispatched to the area. A deputy located a vehicle matching the description traveling northbound on Highway 79 and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Deputies say the vehicle continued for a short distance before the driver, later identified as Albert Dale Searcy, opened the driver’s door and jumped from the moving vehicle. The deputy immediately stopped and detained Mr. Searcy.
Vehicle Secured and Allegations Detailed
The passenger, Heather Searcy, maneuvered over the center console and took control of the vehicle, bringing it to a stop. Three minor children were also in the vehicle.
Deputies noted apparent injuries to Ms. Searcy’s face, described as “consistent with a physical altercation.”
Ms. Searcy informed law enforcement that she had asked Mr. Searcy to stop the vehicle so she and the children could exit, but he allegedly refused to do so. She also said that once Mr. Searcy was aware that one of the children had called 911, he allegedly struck the child and took the phone.
The family was reportedly in the process of moving back to Louisiana after recently relocating to the area.
Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and medically cleared all parties involved. Albert Searcy was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail.
Searcy faces the following charges:
- Tampering with or harassing a witness
- Domestic violence battery
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer
- Resisting arrest without violence
- Child abuse
- False imprisonment
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
READ: Florida Mom Charged With Murder After Infant Dies From Meth, Eggshells Ingestion
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