From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden:
FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On Monday, April 9th, 2026, at approximately 7:40PM a Dekalb County Deputy observed a White Mitsubishi Mirage traveling at a high rate of speed on County Road 141 near the intersection of Hwy 75. As the Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated to a speed in excess of 100mph and began actively eluding. Deputies pursued the vehicle into Georgia on Hwy 301 Northbound before the driver doubled back into Jackson County, Alabama. At the intersection of County Road 73 and County Road 93 in Jackson County, a Deputy executed a PIT maneuver which forced the vehicle off the roadway. As the Deputy approached the vehicle; the driver of the vehicle, identified as BYRON RAY GENTRY (52 of Flat Rock) reversed the vehicle almost striking the Deputy. GENTRY then continued driving a short distance before exiting the vehicle and attempting to flee on foot. As GENTRYwas fleeing on foot, a female passenger identified as CHLOE MICHELLE MCDONALD (39 of Trenton, GA) leapt into the driver’s seat and attempted to continue to flee in the vehicle. The vehicle was boxed in by responding Deputies and both GENTRYand MCDONALDweretaken into custody after both resisted arrest. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm was found.
BYRON RAY GENTRYwas charged with Felony Attempt to Elude, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance w/ Intent to Distribute, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Endangerment, Resisting Arrest, and Addict in Possession of Firearm. GENTRYalso had warrants out of Georgia for Probation Violation.
CHLOE MICHELLE MCDONALDwas charged with Assault 2nd on Law Enforcement, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance w/ Intent to Distribute, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Attempting to Elude, and Resisting Arrest.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident:“This was a dangerous pursuit that could have ended in tragedy but thanks to the coordinated efforts of our deputies everyone went home to their families at the end of the night, well except the two that started this whole thing, and they ended up safely in jail where they belong.”
“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
