A child’s 911 call on Monday led to a dramatic police response on Highway 79 in Florida, ending with the arrest of a man on seven felony and misdemeanor charges, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
911 Call Sparks Police Action
Dispatchers received a call from a child reporting that the adults in the vehicle were fighting while driving. The caller shared their location and vehicle description before the call disconnected.
Deputies quickly responded and located a car matching the description traveling northbound on Highway 79. When they attempted a traffic stop, the driver — later identified as Albert Dale Searcy — jumped from the moving vehicle, deputies said. He was immediately detained.
Vehicle Secured and Injuries Reported
Meanwhile, Heather Searcy, the passenger, climbed over the console and took control of the car, bringing it safely to a stop. Three children were also inside the vehicle.
Deputies noted visible injuries on Ms. Searcy’s face, which they described as being “consistent with a physical altercation.”
Ms. Searcy told officers she had asked Albert Searcy to stop the vehicle so she and the children could get out, but he refused. She also said that once he realized one of the children had called 911, he allegedly hit the child and took the phone.
The family was reportedly moving back to Louisiana after recently relocating to Florida.
Emergency responders treated everyone at the scene, and Albert Searcy was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail.
Charges Filed
Searcy faces the following charges:
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Tampering with or harassing a witness
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Domestic violence battery
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Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement
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Resisting arrest without violence
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Child abuse
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False imprisonment
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Driving with a suspended or revoked license
Authorities say the quick response to the child’s 911 call likely prevented further harm.
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