Welfare Check at Rick’s BBQ Leads to Arrest of Tennessee Fugitive; Two Florence Officers Injured

Shoals Insider
By WB FRANKS
Staff Writer
A routine welfare check at Rick’s BBQ on Florence Boulevard turned into a foot chase and physical struggle Saturday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of a Tennessee fugitive and injuries to two Florence Police officers.
Florence Police were dispatched to the restaurant at 4260 Florence Blvd. after receiving reports of an individual slumped over behind the wheel of a vehicle. When officers arrived, the man was awake but immediately became uncooperative, refusing to provide identification before giving officers a false name and date of birth.
Foot Chase & Struggle
As officers confronted the man about the false information, he attempted to flee the scene on foot. A short pursuit followed, during which the suspect fought with officers and actively resisted arrest. He was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
Suspect Identified as Wanted Fugitive
Authorities later identified the individual as Peyton Watkins, 27, of Parsons, Tennessee. Watkins is wanted on multiple felony warrants in Tennessee, including:
• Felony Theft of Property (Vehicle Theft) – Decatur County Sheriff’s Office
• Burglary to a Motor Vehicle – Metro Nashville Police Department
He was transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center, where he remains confined on several charges:
• Resisting Arrest
• Giving False Name to Law Enforcement
• Two Counts of Assault 3rd Degree
His total bond is set at $3,500. Once released on bond, Watkins will be extradited to Tennessee to face the outstanding felony charges.
Two Florence Officers Injured
During the struggle, two Florence Police officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries:
• One officer suffered a cut above the eye
• Another officer received a deep arm contusion
Both officers were treated at a local medical facility. One has already been cleared to return to duty, while the second is temporarily off duty pending further evaluation.
Investigation Ongoing
Florence Police say the case remains under investigation