Florence Alabama Police Department released a statement regarding a pursuit that ended in one man losing his life.

Florence Alabama Police Department statement:

"(Florence, AL)- A Brilliant (AL) man is facing manslaughter charges following Florence Police pursuit. Zachery John Madden, 21, w/m was charged after he failed to stop for police who were attempting to investigate the vehicle Madden was driving after it was observed traveling in downtown Florence without headlights. 

The initial stop was initiated shortly after 1 am Saturday morning in the area of Court Street. Madden refused to yield to police and led officers on a pursuit through downtown Florence which eventually ended after Madden crashed his vehicle through a locked gate near the intersection of West College Street and West Mobile Street. Madden’s vehicle traveled through a residential area after crashing through the gate before submerging into Cypress Creek. Officers observed Madden and a second white male exit the vehicle into the creek. Madden swam to officers while the second male swam to the opposite side of the creek before disappearing into a wooded area. Madden was taken into custody without incident and informed officers of a third person who was in the vehicle at the time of the crash. 

Members of the Florence Police Department Water Rescue and Recovery Team responded to the scene and located Joe Deewayne Cothrum, 35, w/m deceased inside the vehicle. The third male has not yet been identified or located. ALEA was requested to the scene and is providing investigative assistance to the Florence Police Department. This case is still very active and ongoing. 

Zachery Madden was transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center where he awaits bond. Additional charges are pending in this case. 

The Florence Police Department has also been made aware of inflammatory social media posts which provide inaccurate information about this incident. Our department works tirelessly to maintain transparency and provide accurate information regarding the actions of our officers.  

Any additional information regarding this case will be released through the Quad City Post of ALEA. 

*Note* All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty."