May 31—A Somerville man spent three days in jail after allegedly fleeing a Morgan County Sheriff’s Office security checkpoint late Sunday night.
Fred Walton Carter, 55, had active warrants for third-degree larceny and was in possession of a forged instrument when he approached officers in his Ford F-150 Sunday around 11:30 p.m., according to a deputy sheriff’s statement.
According to the affidavit, Carter drove at a steady, slow speed to the checkpoint before speeding away and ignoring commands to stop. Officers then pursued Carter westbound on East Upper River Road until he pulled into the parking lot of a local business and parked his truck.
“All deputies drew their firearms and remained in the low position,” the statement read. “Commands were then given to the driver to exit the truck and turn away from emergency services; the driver complied and did as instructed.”
According to the affidavit, Carter and his female passenger were detained and taken to the back of the truck while officers relayed their information. Carter’s name was flagged with active felony warrants.
Court records show Carter allegedly signed the back of an $8,600 check to another man and deposited it into his Redstone Federal Credit Union account in April 2023.
Carter “completed a cash withdrawal immediately after depositing the check, as well as several Cash App transfers,” according to the affidavit from a Decatur Police Department detective. “The check was later returned because it was a forgery.”
Carter reportedly told an RFCU representative that he would pay back the money within a week; However, he left the account with an “excessive negative balance,” according to the affidavit.
Carter was ultimately charged with stealing $725.57 and third-degree possession of a forged instrument, both class D felonies. Court records show the warrants were served after he was booked into the Morgan County Jail around 3 a.m. Monday.
When officers asked Carter why he ran from the checkpoint, he told them he was aware of his arrest warrants “but made a stupid decision,” according to the affidavit. His passenger was allowed to drive his truck to the scene while Carter was transported to jail.
Carter was additionally charged with one count of felony attempt to escape with a total bond of $2,300, according to court records. Jail records show he was released Wednesday evening.
– david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
