Multi-County Pursuit Ends With Arrest After Shots Fired at Officers

DADE COUNTY, Ga. — A late-night traffic stop in Dade County escalated into a high-speed, multi-county pursuit Sunday night that ended with a crash, shots fired at law enforcement, and the arrest of a Tennessee man now facing numerous felony charges, authorities said.

According to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were conducting traffic enforcement in Wildwood around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, when they observed a vehicle with an equipment violation exit Interstate 24 West onto Highway 299. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver made a U-turn and reentered Interstate 24 West, accelerating rapidly in an apparent attempt to flee.

The pursuit continued westbound into Marion County, Tennessee, where the suspect exited the interstate at Haletown. Authorities said a Dade County deputy made intentional vehicular contact in an effort to stop the fleeing vehicle, causing it to spin. The suspect then accelerated in the opposite direction and struck a Dade County sheriff’s sergeant head-on, resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles. Despite the collision, the driver continued fleeing, officials said.

As the pursuit moved toward the outskirts of Jasper, Tennessee, Marion County deputies assumed the lead. Near the overpass at State Route 28 and U.S. Highway 41, the suspect vehicle crashed under the bridge and came to a stop. Authorities said as deputies exited their patrol vehicles, the driver fired two shots at officers.

The suspect then attempted to flee again but was unable to continue due to damage to the vehicle and the rapid response of additional officers, who removed him from the vehicle and took him into custody. No law enforcement officers returned fire during the incident.

Investigators said the suspect was found in possession of three firearms, approximately half a pound of suspected cocaine, approximately half a pound of suspected methamphetamine, and about $28,000 in cash. Authorities also said the suspect had outstanding felony warrants.

The suspect was identified as Stephen Pyles, 52, of Jamestown, Tennessee. He remains in custody at the Marion County Jail.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has charged Pyles with shooting at officers, along with several additional offenses. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office has obtained warrants charging him with drug trafficking, felony fleeing, and multiple traffic violations.

No deputies were seriously injured during the pursuit.

Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross praised the coordinated response among agencies, thanking the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Trenton Police Department, Dade County Dispatch, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Jasper Police Department for their assistance.

All charges are accusations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.