High-Speed Pursuit Suspect Taken Into Custody

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A suspect was taken into custody Thursday morning following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle and a subsequent manhunt that began the previous day.

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Justin Finklea, 24, was taken into custody at Mary’s Travel Center at 10:12 a.m. on Oct. 31, after fleeing law enforcement during a traffic stop initiated by the Tuscaloosa Police Department near The Oakley apartment complex on Wednesday.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy told local media the vehicle had been reported stolen.

The chase commenced around 2:05 p.m. Wednesday, with Finklea fleeing northbound on Interstate 20/59 before other law enforcement agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Coaling Police Department, Vance Police Department, Brookwood Police Department, and Lakeview Police Department, assisted in the pursuit and search efforts.

Abernathy said K-9 units, a drone unit and the TPD air patrol were deployed as part of the search, which concluded around 5 p.m. Wednesday without locating Finklea.

Finklea has been charged first-degree theft of property, with no bond set at this time.

Abernathy said additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.

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