CULLMAN, Ala. – An Oakman, Alabama man was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 17, following the burglary of a pawn shop in Decatur and a high-speed pursuit down Interstate 65. The Cullman Police Department said Colton McCoy Tubbs has been charged with first-degree receiving stolen property and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, a felony.
CPD Dispatch received an areawide BOLO that night at approximately 10:52 p.m. from the Decatur Police Department regarding a stolen 2001 red Toyota Solara that had just been used in the burglary.
“During the burglary, several firearms and a large quantity of ammunition were reported stolen,” Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan said. “The BOLO advised that the vehicle was possibly traveling southbound on I-65. Dispatch relayed the information to CPD patrol officers, who began canvassing the I-65 corridor.”
At approximately 10:57 p.m., CPD Officer Joshua Spinks located a vehicle matching the BOLO description at a gas station on Alabama Highway 157 near Exit 310.
“Officer Spinks confirmed the license plate matched the stolen vehicle as it exited the gas station and attempted a traffic stop as the vehicle merged onto I-65 southbound,” Duncan said. “The driver failed to yield and fled, initiating a high-speed pursuit. The vehicle continued southbound on I-65 at a high rate of speed. Near mile marker 297, the driver abruptly stopped, exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area.”
CPD officers, assisted by deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, pursued the suspect into the woods and located him hiding in dense brush.
Tubbs, 35, was taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle allegedly resulted in the recovery of 16 firearms stolen during the Decatur burglary. Further investigation allegedly determined the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day from Nashville, Tennessee.
The CPD said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues in coordination with assisting agencies.
Duncan commended Spinks for his alertness, decisive action and commitment to public safety.
“His quick recognition of the suspect vehicle and immediate response played a critical role in the successful apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of stolen firearms,” Duncan said. “I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Decatur Police Department for their assistance in this case.”
