The suspect wanted in connection with a high-speed pursuit that started in Etowah County, and ended here in Cherokee County shortly after 10:00 Thursday night – is now in custody.

That chase started on Highway 411 inside Etowah County, with Etowah Deputies in pursuit of a white Chevy Impala.  The chase eventually made its way into Leesburg where Leesburg Officers joined in – it continued into the downtown area, turning left onto Highway 68, then onto Highway 273. 

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Investigators joined in at that point, with the suspect continuing up 273 before turning right on Highway 35 at Blanche, eventually going  through Watson’s Crossroads.  

A deputy was able to deploy spike strips at County Road 107, near Gaylesville School – with the suspect’s vehicle hitting the strips.  That vehicle then managed to continue through the Gaylesville four-way stop before crashing into a wooded area near the Chattokee Lodge. 

The suspect bailed out and fled on foot – managing to evade law enforcement.

Shortly after 7:30 Friday morning, Lt. Bo Jolly located a person matching the description of the subject walking in the area.  When questioned the individual gave what turned out to be a false name. However – just moments later – that man was indeed identified as the suspect from the previous night’s chase. 

Jaylyn Lamar Ruffin, age 21 from Gadsden, was taken into custody at the scene and charged locally with Using False Identity to Avoid Arrest and Attempting to Elude.  He also has outstanding warrants in three counties and is wanted by Snead, Gadsden and Homewood police.

He is currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $6,500 Bond.