High speed chase spans 160 miles with speeds exceeding 100 mph. | News

PIKE COUNTY, AL (WSFA)- Authorities say they were working on a theft investigation when a high-speed police chase that spanned more than 160 miles at speeds in excess of 100 mph started in Troy.

Troy Police say around 10:55 a.m. an officer pulled in behind an older-model burgundy Chevrolet pick-up truck at a stoplight. That truck was known to belong to someone wanted in connection with a residential burglary off of Kelly Road in Troy. When that officer turned on his lights and attempted to stop that vehicle, the driver, now known to be 38-year-old William Daniel Carswell, started to elude police.

Authorities say Carswell led police units out of Pike County, into Bullock and possibly Macon County before picking up I-85 in Montgomery. Carswell picked up the E. Boulevard in Montgomery off of the interstate, then continued on to Troy Highway and U.S. 231 heading back in to Pike County. The chase ultimately came to a stop on Pike County Road 1118 - more than an hour and 160 miles after it began.

Alabama State Troopers, Montgomery Police, Montgomery County, Troy City and Pike County authorities were all involved in the chase that at times reached speeds in excess of 100 mph.

"One thing we kept in mind was the safety of the public," said Troy Police Sgt. Benny Scarbrough. "If it ever got to a point where we felt like that was going to be in danger, then we would have broke off that chase."

Carswell is currently being held at the Troy City Jail on charges of theft of property in the first degree, attempting to elude, and reckless driving. It is possible Carswell may face similar charges in other jurisdictions resulting from this chase.

A woman was also in the vehicle with Carswell at the time of the chase. Police say, as of now, she will not face charges related to this incident.

Sgt. Scarbrough added that thankfully, there were no injuries during this chase. A Troy Police car did suffer damage to its wheels and windshield from rolling over stop spikes before it eventually ran out of gas during the pursuit. Scarbrough said TPD will be seeking restitution for that damaged vehicle.

Copyright 2012  WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.