A routine traffic stop for speeding turned into a high-speed pursuit, winding through four counties and reaching speeds of 100 mph, according to Sheriff Ana Franklin.

Hagemann

Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a green Toyota pick up truck traveling southbound on Highway 67 new Water Tower Road Fri., March 20 at 11:07 p.m. The vehicle was going 78 mph in a 55 mph zone. The vehicle refused to yield and sped up in an attempt to elude officers.

The vehicle continued at unsafe rates of speed and drove in a reckless and dangerous manner. At times, the pursuing officers saw what appeared to be liquor bottles and beer cans being thrown from the suspect vehicle.

The pursuit left Morgan County and continued through Cullman, Blount and Marshall counties, with agencies from those jurisdictions assisting.

The driver lost control of his vehicle in a curve on Cox Gap Road in Marshall County, leaving the roadway and going off into a ravine, landing on its side.

Morgan County deputies and reserve deputies made their way down the steep ravine to render aid and take the driver into custody. A small fire had started under the vehicle, which deputies extinguished. They determined the driver was not seriously injured and attempted to extricate him from his vehicle.

He resisted deputies, but they were able to control him and place him into custody. The local fire department responded to assist the deputies and the suspect up the steep ravine to their vehicles.

The suspect, Kristian Lee Hagemann, 39, of Smith Ave. SW in Decatur, was charged with DUI, attempting to elude, resisting to elude, reckless endangerment, speeding, improper lane usage, criminal littering and failing to wear a seat belt.

He was released Sat., March 21 on a $3,400 bond.