Leroy Man Arrested After Alleged Drug-Related Chase Reaches 115 MPH on Highway 43

Clarke County, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A high-speed pursuit along Highway 43 reached speeds of up to 115 miles per hour before deputies brought it to an end near McIntosh, resulting in the arrest of a Leroy man accused of attempting to flee while allegedly throwing drugs from his vehicle.

Clarke County Sheriff Dewayne Smith said Harlin Daffin was suspected of delivering drugs in the county when deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Jackson.

Rather than stop, Daffin allegedly accelerated and fled southbound on Highway 43, triggering a pursuit that stretched toward the McIntosh area.

According to Sheriff Smith, Daffin reached speeds of approximately 115 mph during the chase. Investigators also allege that he repeatedly threw suspected drugs out of the vehicle’s window as he attempted to evade deputies.

The pursuit continued until deputies reached an area just north of McIntosh, where Smith said officers used a precision immobilization technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, to bring the vehicle to a stop when it was safe to do so.

Daffin was taken into custody following the pursuit.

Multiple Charges Filed

Daffin is facing several charges stemming from the incident, including felony attempting to elude law enforcement, tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Authorities also reported that Daffin has outstanding warrants from Pennsylvania. Those warrants reportedly involve allegations of being a felon in possession of a firearm, drug manufacturing, attempting to elude law enforcement and a probation violation.

The Pennsylvania warrants add another layer to the investigation, although officials have not provided further details about the underlying cases or whether extradition proceedings will be necessary.

Multi-Agency Investigation

Sheriff Smith said the arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation involving the Grove Hill Police Department.

Several agencies assisted during the pursuit, including Jackson police, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers.

Smith also recognized the role of emergency dispatchers, who helped coordinate communications among the agencies involved as deputies worked to safely bring the chase to an end.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information about the suspected drugs allegedly discarded during the pursuit, including the amount recovered, has not been provided.

Daffin’s arrest followed the pursuit on Highway 43. The charges and allegations will be addressed through the court system.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.