Vina couple leads deputies on wild car chase
VINA – A man and woman led officers on a car chase Friday night after deputies attempted to pull the man over for allegedly driving under the influence.
Jody Peyton, 23, 11317 Franklin 23, Vina, was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and promoting prison contraband.
Jason Anthony Hacker, 29, 7386 Franklin 23, Vina, was arrested for attempting to elude, resisting arrest, second-degree criminal mischief, driving under the influence, illegal possession of prohibited liquors and reckless endangerment.
Officers said he was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for trespassing in a separate incident.
According to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, the sheriff’s office received a call at 11:30 p.m. from an officer with Franklin County Community Corrections who reported Hacker had failed to report for mandatory testing.
Oliver said the community corrections officer said they had received additional information that Hacker was in the area driving under the influence.
A short time later, Oliver said sheriff’s deputies spotted Hacker on Franklin 23 in Vina driving a white Ford Taurus and they noticed there was also a female in the car.
“Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on County Road 23 but [Hacker] took off and began to elude officers,” Oliver said.
“He continued south on 23 and turned onto Wooten Hollow Road. When he was making the turn, he rammed into the front bumper of one of the patrol cars and kept going.”
Oliver said Hacker continued down Wooten Hollow Road until he came to a wooded area.
Oliver said Hacker and the female, later identified as Peyton, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
After a short foot pursuit, Oliver said deputies apprehended both subjects and took them into custody.
“This could have been a very dangerous situation with officers pursuing a person who was driving under the influence,” Oliver said.
“We are thankful no one was hurt and there was only minimal damage to one of the patrol cars.”
Oliver said Peyton allegedly smuggled a baggie of prescription medication and marijuana into the patrol car and received additional drug charges.
Both Hacker and Peyton are still in custody at the Franklin County Jail.
Oliver said Hacker was being held on a community corrections violation.