Car chase leads to indictments

A Marion County man who allegedly exposed himself to a local clerk and then led officers on a high speed car chase through two counties was indicted by a recent grand jury, officials said.
Alfred Ronnie Warden, Jr., 32, 4435 Marion 11, Hamilton, was indicted for first-degree attempted assault, indecent exposure, attempting to elude a police officer, reckless endangerment, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of prohibited liquors, and several other traffic violations, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.
Rushing said the host of charges stem from an incident that took place about 9 p.m. on the evening of Nov. 16, 2012.
According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, the RPD received a 911 call from a female clerk at Security Finance located in the Franklin Shopping Center on U.S. 43.
Hargett said the clerk stated Warden was attempting to make entry to the business to allegedly solicit donations.
Hargett said when the clerk told Warden the business was closed for the evening and he would have to return the next day, he allegedly exposed himself, which prompted the clerk to make the 911 call.
“When we received the call, a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was already close to the Franklin Shopping Center when he heard the call come through,” Hargett said.
“He pulled in to make the traffic stop, but when one of our officers arrived on the scene to make a positive ID, Warden took off in his vehicle.”
Hargett said Warden led officers on a high-speed chase through Franklin County and into Marion County where the Hamilton Police Department set out spike strips in an attempt to get Warden’s vehicle stopped.
“After the spike strips incapacitated the vehicle, Warden then got out of his vehicle and fled into the woods in Marion County,” Hargett said.
“Officers from our department, the sheriff’s office and Marion County all entered the woods and attempted to find him but were unsuccessful.”
Officials said Warden was later arrested on Nov. 25.
Police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery the assault charge stems from Warden throwing a hard object out of his car during the chase to deter the officers who were in pursuit.
Lowery said the object struck the officer’s windshield and could have caused serious damage had it actually broken through.
“We are very thankful that no one was injured during the car chase,” Hargett said. “Those are always dangerous situations for the officers and for innocent bystanders.”
Rushing said Warden’s case should be set for arraignment next week.