Harpersville to Sylacauga, Ala. – On August 26, 2026, the Childersburg Police Department was notified by Talladega County 911 that the Harpersville Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 280 toward Childersburg.
In response, Childersburg Police officers positioned themselves in the area of U.S. Highway 280 near the Coosa River Bridge. A short time later, officers observed a white Dodge Ram 2500 pickup traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed while being pursued by Harpersville Police. Childersburg Police units joined the pursuit as the vehicle entered Childersburg.
During the pursuit, the driver continued eastbound on U.S. Highway 280 at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly and committing numerous traffic violations. The pursuit continued over Merkel Mountain, where spike strips were successfully deployed in an effort to safely bring the pursuit to an end.
The vehicle continued eastbound on U.S. Highway 280 through Oak Grove and into Sylacauga. At the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and Gene E. Stewart Boulevard, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole and a Childersburg Police Department patrol unit.
The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. She was transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center as a precaution and, following her release, was taken into the custody of the Childersburg Police Department.
During the investigation, officers discovered a quantity of fentanyl both inside the vehicle and on the driver’s person. Based on the quantity of fentanyl recovered, the driver was charged with drug trafficking. The Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force was notified and responded to assist with the narcotics investigation.
The driver was identified as Patricia Louise Grant of Tennessee. She is currently charged with:
- Drug Trafficking
- Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
- Possession with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia
Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The Childersburg Police Department would like to thank the Harpersville Police Department, Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Sylacauga Fire Department, Sylacauga Ambulance Service, and Sylacauga Utilities for their assistance during this incident.
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