Escapee Makes Getaway In Stolen Truck
Update: Truck Recovered - Fugitive Still Being Sought

September 8, 2009
A man, in custody in an Arab Police patrol unit, managed to escape from the car Tuesday afternoon, stole a truck at a nearby business, and made his getaway.

Police were called to the Green Park Motel on South Brindlee Mountain Parkway around 12:30 pm to investigate a reported domestic violence altercation between the man and a woman.  During questioning the man reportedly gave police a false name.  Police said he was taken into custody and placed in the patrol car while the officers continued the investigation.  When the arresting officer returned to the car, the man was gone.  An unknown woman on the alerted the officer that the man was running North along the highway.  Police gave chase but the man ran into a wooded area an alluded the officers.  After a lengthy search, police received a report of a stolen truck from a business located near the motel.

Police said the man originally said his name was Bobby Barnett.  The female victim later told police that the suspect's name is Stephen Christopher Barnett.  Police said the stolen truck is a preader truck loaded with wood shavings.  Police said that Barnett has outstanding arson and burglary warrants in Etowah and Blount counties.

Update:  September 10, 2009
Acting on a tip, officers found the stolen truck abandoned in some woods off of May Apple Road Wednesday.  Barnett remained at large Thursday afternoon.  When arrested he will likely be facing at least three felony charges associated with the incident.