Man accused of hitting multiple vehicles, almost running over Florence officers during chase

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Florence Police Department says it arrested a man who left a scene during a field sobriety test and almost ran over two officers.

On Oct. 18, FPD said an officer saw Michael Shane Taylor run a stop at the Courtney Avenue and Decatur Avenue intersection. The police department said the officer carried out a traffic stop at Decatur Avenue and Hermitage Drive.

According to authorities, the officer saw signs of impairment while speaking to Taylor and conducted field sobriety tests. FPD said while conducting the tests, Taylor jumped back into his 2004 Chevy Silverado and fled the scene

FPD said two officers moved to prevent getting hit by Taylor’s truck as he fled. Officers said they pursued Taylor south on Helton Drive into Colbert County.

Authorities said the pursuit continued south on Wilson Dam Road with speeds over 100 MPH. When Taylor reached Wilson Dam Road and Highway 20, officers said he hit a pickup truck and a semi-truck.

Officers said his vehicle then hit a culvert, rolling over several times. Authorities, Taylor had to be pulled from his truck as it started to smoke and catch fire.