Driver identified in Hwy 331 chase

Published 4:19 pm Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The driver of a vehicle involved in a Wednesday morning chase that began in Crenshaw County Wednesday morning and ended in a crash in Montgomery County, has been identified and awaits charges after treatment for his injuries.

Sergeant Jeremy Burkett with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said the driver has been identified as Russell E. Boner, 47, of Columbus, Georgia. Tammie M. Hartz-Mullin, 47, of Jackson, Georgia was identified as the passenger. Both sustained injuries in the crash.

“Both are still receiving medical treatment,” Burkett said. “Once Boner has been treated and released from the hospital, he will be arrested and taken to the Crenshaw County Jail concerning active felony warrants through the state of Georgia, in conjunction with attempting to elude, resisting arrest, driving under the influence along with several other traffic violations.

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Around 9:24 a.m. on Sept. 6, the vehicle pursuit began near mile marker 68 on U.S. Highway 331 close to Highland Home before moving into Montgomery County and ending just south of the Ada community.

“The pursuit began after a Trooper with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division stopped the driver of a 2009 Ford F-150 pickup for a speeding violation,” said ALEA Sergeant Jeremy Burkett in a Wednesday afternoon release. “During the course of the traffic stop, the driver fled the scene and a pursuit ensued until the Ford eventually crashed on U.S. 331 near the 82-mile marker in Montgomery County.”

According to Burkett, Boner and Hartz-Mullin both were transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for treatment of their injuries.

Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chris Stewart said deputies received the call by radio but were too far away to respond before the chase led into Montgomery County.

As a precaution, Highland Home School Resources Officer (SRO) Andy Sutly, placed the school on temporary lockdown until the area was clear. No incidents were reported involving the school and the lockdown was lifted, approximately 10-15 minutes later.

No further information is available while Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.