Three Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges After Police Pursuit

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force (WANTF) on Tuesday arrested three suspects on multiple felony drug charges following a vehicle pursuit.

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The task force says an agent attempted to stop a Dodge Durango at Southmont Drive and 51st Street at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday morning when the driver refused to stop.

The driver then led officers on a pursuit along Old Montgomery Highway, the Duncanville area and U.S. Highway 82 East.

The pursuing officers then observed the occupants throwing drugs and a handgun from the vehicle, before the driver — Christopher Andrew Pearson — abandoned the vehicle near Whisperwood Drive off Highway 82. He was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

The task force reported recovering methamphetamine and a handgun from the roadside, while the investigation led officers to a local hotel, where more controlled substances were recovered.

The suspects are being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail, with bond to be set by a judge.

• Christopher Andrew Pearson, 34, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, failure to affix a tax stamp, attempting to elude officers, certain persons in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental operation.
• Timothy Drake Hodo, 29, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, failure to affix a tax stamp and tampering with physical evidence. The task force said Hodo was the passenger in the Durango.
• Isaac Hugh Bonner, 38, of Aliceville, was charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking a controlled substance, two counts of failure to affix a tax stamp, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The task force said Bonner was not involved in the pursuit and was taken into custody at the hotel.

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