| Naked man leads authorities on low-speed chase | | Posted: Friday, November 2, 2012 12:00 pm
| A naked South Fulton man led authorities on a low-speed chase Sunday through Obion and Weakley counties.
The Weakley County Sheriff’s Department ended the pursuit by arresting James Joseph Bell, 29, after he allegedly fled authorities from three agencies at speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour.
Weakley County authorities brought 12 charges against Bell, including indecent exposure, evading arrest, aggravated assault and driving under the influence.
The chase began about 9:15 a.m. Sunday after somebody reported an erratic driver to Union City authorities. Bell allegedly tried to elude Union City police by driving his green Buick Regal into Obion County along Old Troy Road.
That’s when the Obion County Sheriff’s Department joined the pursuit, according to Chief Deputy Kent Treece.
Bell allegedly refused to stop for authorities and veered off road into fields.
He briefly got away but was quickly sighted on Harris Road in the South Fulton area.
The chase resumed and continued to Pierce Station Road as Bell refused to stop. He travelled into Weakley County, where authorities were waiting.
Obion County continued in the pursuit but allowed Weakley County Sheriff’s Dep. Bryan Chandler to take the lead in the chase.
For whatever reason, the naked Bell pulled over for Chandler and was arrested without incident on Ralston Road, Weakley County Chief Deputy Mark Black said.
“He obyed every command,” Black added.
Bell is being held at the Weakley County Detention Center. Other charges are violation of the seatbelt law, failure to drive within lane, failure to obey an order, failure to exercise due care, failure to yield, violation of the implied consent law, driving on a revoked or suspended license and reckless driving.
Bell also faces charges in Obion County, according to authorities there.
“We have a great working relation with the other counties surrounding us,” Black said. “Those guys work well with us, and us with them. I’m thankful. It’s kind of like a brotherhood.
Published in The WCP 11.1.12 | | | | |
