Georgia man arrested after 130 mph pursuit through Cullman

CULLMAN, Ala. – A Georgia man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly fleeing Cullman police at speeds exceeding 130 mph, driving into oncoming lanes and throwing items from his vehicle during the pursuit. 

According to the Cullman Police Department, Officer Eli Carnes attempted to stop a 2012 Nissan Maxima on Alabama Highway 157 near Cullman County Road 1188 at approximately 12:19 a.m. Aug. 29. 

Police identified the driver as Kenyon Joiner of Villa Rica, Georgia. 

The CPD said Joiner refused to stop and continued south on Alabama Highway 157. During the pursuit, he allegedly drove on the wrong side of the roadway, turned off the vehicle’s headlights and threw items from the Maxima. 

Officer Jake Lambert deployed spike strips ahead of the pursuit, disabling one tire. Sgt. Zane Pounders subsequently deployed another set of spike strips, disabling the remaining three tires and bringing the pursuit to an end a short time later. 

Officers assigned to CPD Patrol Shift 2B and deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office assisted in taking Joiner into custody without further incident. 

Police said a records check revealed that Joiner had active warrants in Georgia for evading and resisting. 

The items allegedly thrown from the vehicle were recovered a short time later. The CPD said the discarded material was identified as a controlled substance, but the department did not disclose the type or quantity. 

Following consultation with the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office, Joiner was transported to the Cullman County Detention Center and booked on charges of: 

• attempting to elude 
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance 
• reckless endangerment 
• tampering with physical evidence 
• unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia 

Police said Joiner was also issued citations related to the incident but did not identify the alleged traffic violations. 

The CPD credited the officers and deputies involved for coordinating the use of spike strips and bringing the pursuit to an end without further incident. 

No bond information was included in the department’s release. 

Joiner is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.