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Timothy A. Chester
A Madison man was arrested on multiple charges on Jan. 28 following a brief pursuit that reached speeds up to 115 mph.
Timothy Antoine Chester, 33, faces charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, DUI (drugs and alcohol), misdemeanor obstruction, failure to maintain lane, failure to stop at a stop sign, reckless driving, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
According to reports, Deputy Black Rowe attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe in the area of Atlanta Highway and Indian Creek trail. The Tahoe pulled over into the grass but when Rowe pulled in behind it, the driver hit the gas pedal, kicking up dirt and grass.
Rowe pursued the Tahoe and advised dispatch that he was involved in a vehicle pursuit headed toward Madison.
According to Rowe’s account of the pursuit, the driver of the Tahoe, later identified as Chester was traveling between 89 and 115 mph on Atlanta Highway as he headed toward Madison.
As Rowe approached the area of Ward Road, he was advised that Madison Police Officer Jonathan Mills was preparing to deploy stop sticks in the area of Walker Circle.
Rowe said Mills was able to get a good spike on Chester’s vehicle, but he continued to flee toward Madison at speeds exceeding 85 mph in zones limited to 25, 35, and 45 mph.
Chester also drove on the wrong side of the road as he merged onto S. Main Street at the split and ran the stop sign at the intersection.
As the pursuit approached E. Central Avenue close to downtown, Chester was traveling at 90 mph before turning right on E. Jefferson Street. According to Rowe, Chester drove on the wrong side of the road and ran the stop sign at E. Jefferson and Hancock Streets.
In the area of Vine Street, Chester opened his driver-side door and leaped from the vehicle. He fled on foot across a driveway at 496 E. Jefferson Street. Rowe parked his patrol unit and chased Chester behind a trailer. He found Chester lying on his back beneath a porch.
At that point, Chester gave up and Rowe placed him in handcuffs. Rowe helped Chester to his feet and handed him over to another Morgan County deputy for transport to the Morgan County jail.
Due to the odor of marijuana, Deputy Derek Snead searched the Tahoe, which had coasted into a ditch after Chester abandoned it. Snead found a marijuana shake on the floorboard.
Chester became sick while sitting in the patrol unit and EMS was summoned to check on him. Once he was cleared by EMS, Chester was taken to the Morgan County jail.