Man accused of leading police in high-speed chase with infant in car

A man had an infant in the backseat of his vehicle Thursday afternoon when he led Columbus police on a high-speed chase, according to a police report.

Arthur Dewayne Allen, 29, was apprehended following the 3:51 p.m. chase that resulted in no reported injuries. He was transported to the Muscogee County Jail on one count each of first-degree cruelty to children, driving with suspended license and no proof of insurance, in addition to other charges stemming from unrelated warrants.

An officer said he saw a driver in a 1993 Honda Accord run a stop sign at the intersection of London Street and Gleason Avenue, according to a report. Police said they recognized the driver. Allen was wanted on outstanding warrants for fleeing to elude and reckless driving at the time.

The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the driver fled at a high-rated speed through the residential neighborhood East Urban Heights, according to the report.

“The vehicle was observed driving into oncoming traffic several times during the incident, almost crashing into other vehicles,” police stated. “The driver drove in a reckless disregard for the safety of the public and also for the occupants of the vehicle.”

Authorities said Allen continued into Carver Park, where an unidentified front passenger with dreads jumped out of the car and fled. Shortly thereafter, the driver fled the car.

Another officer was able to capture Allen after a brief foot chase, police added.

Officials said they saw a woman remove a three-month old baby from vehicle. The baby was in the backseat of the car during the chase, police wrote.

Allen’s preliminary is set for 8 a.m. Saturday in Columbus Recorder’s Court.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Man accused of leading police in high-speed chase with infant in car."