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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – An arrest has been made in connection the multi-county police chase on June 2 that led to multiple law enforcement officers being injured.

Cody Blake Wilson, age 36, has been identified by the Calera Police Department as the suspect in connection with a multi-agency, multi-county pursuit that occurred on Interstate 65 on Wednesday, July 2.

Wilson was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Thursday, July 3 on a total bond of $10,000 with the following charges:

• Aggravated assault – attempt to commit crime – No bond
• Attempting to elude – No bond
• Assault in the second degree with intent to prevent peace officer from performing lawful duty – No bond
• Receiving stolen property in the first degree – No bond
• Escape in the third degree – No bond
• Theft of property in the third degree – No bond
• Theft of property in the first degree – $10,000 bond

Wilson was apprehended by authorities on July 2 after the Calera Police Department assisted the Pelham Police Department in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle traveling through multiple jurisdictions.

During the process of arresting the suspect, two Calera officers sustained injuries and a Pelham officer was injured during an attempted escape by the suspect at a hospital. Additionally, an Alabama State Trooper was struck while deploying spike strips.

According to the Calera Police Department, none of the injuries were life-threatening and all of the personnel involved are expected to make a full recovery.

According to authorities, this is the second instance that the Calera Police Department has had to pursue this suspect.

“When a suspect chooses to flee law enforcement that choice endangers the public, law enforcement and themselves,” Calera Chief of Police David Hyche said. “This is the second time I am aware of that we have had to pursue this particular individual.”

The CPD expressed that they are fortunate that the trooper struck by the suspect’s vehicle was not killed or more severely injured. Due to the nature of one officer’s assault with a needle, authorities are awaiting on results for potential communicable diseases.

“We shouldn’t have to deal with the same offenders over and over and endanger these officers lives but the trend continues,” Hyche said. “I am grateful that Alabama now has a felony attempting to elude law but that has clearly not solved the problem.  I hope our lawmakers and judges will look at this and work with us to keep dangerous criminals off the street.”

The arrest was made possible thanks to the coordination of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Pelham Police Department, Alabaster Police Department, Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, Jemison Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office also responded to the scene to assist law enforcement.

“This was a strong example of teamwork and coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies,” read a post by the CPD.