FLORENCE — A Colbert County man who is accused of leading authorities on a 30-minute, high-speed chase Sunday is in jail, officials said.

Larry Dale Riley, 42, 500 Leslie Ave., Tuscumbia, is charged with attempting to elude, resisting arrest, menacing, third-degree criminal mischief and numerous traffic violations, Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Jr. Witt said Monday.

Riley was arrested about 8:30 p.m. Sunday after he crashed his car on Alabama 157 near Lauderdale 6, north of the Underwood community.

Witt said during the chase, which started about 8 p.m. on Lauderdale 7 near Price Drive, deputies reported the vehicle’s speed between 80-100 mph.

“It’s very fortunate that no one got hurt,” Witt said. “At that time of night, with church getting out and a lot of traffic on the roads, it’s a wonder no one was injured.”

Witt said two patrol cars were damaged. He said Riley is accused of running into one patrol car. The other patrol car was slightly damaged when the officer lost control and ran into a ditch.

Reports indicate a deputy initially attempted to stop Riley because he was driving on Lauderdale 7 with his lights on bright.

Witt said when the deputy tried to stop Riley he sped up.

According to the deputy’s report, the chase went through the Underwood and Stoney Point communities before Riley came out on Alabama 17, then turned back and drove down several county roads before ending up on Alabama 157 and crashing into an embankment.

Witt said Riley was taken to Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, where he was treated for minor injuries and later released.

He is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bail of $7,500.
Authorities said a hold has been placed on Riley for Muscle Shoals for outstanding traffic warrants.

Witt said Florence police and state troopers assisted in the chase.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or at tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.