Kaufman
A Range man who claimed he was speeding to get home to his pregnant wife was jailed on felony drug charges after an Escambia County Sheriff's Office Deputy observed a bag that contained seven small bags of marijuana in his vehicle.
Michael Dalton Kaufman, 19, 4225 Brushy Creek Road, Range, Ala., was charged with attempting to elude and unlawful possession of marijuana I following the eventual traffic stop about 10 p.m. Sunday.
According to reports released by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Chris Hallford was on Highway 41 at Log Cabin Road speaking with a complainant on an other issue when he observed a vehicle pass at a high rate of speed continuing to accelerate going north on Highway 41. Hallford reported he clocked the vehicle driving 85 mph in a 55 mph speed zone.
Hallford reported he initiated his emergency lights and siren to initiate the traffic stop on a blue Chevrolet Silverado. He also reported that when he got behind the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Kaufman, refused to stop and his speed went in excess of 90 mph.
The report noted as Hallford was behind the vehicle, the driver would slam on breaks as if he was trying to get Hallford to rear end his vehicle.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop on the southbound shoulder and the passenger and the driver exited. Hallford drew his weapon and ordered both to the ground and put their hands on their head for officer safety.
The report notes Hallford placed both subjects in handcuffs and identified the driver as Michael Kaufman. The passenger was identified as a juvenile.
Kaufman told Hallford he was speeding trying to get to his pregnant wife who was 45 miles away.
The report notes that while Kaufman and the passenger were away from the vehicle, both doors were left open and he observed a plastic sandwich bag containing a green leafy material believed to be marijuana in the driver's seat. Hallford checked the bag and reported it contained seven smaller bags believed to be marijuana packaged for sale.
Hallford also reported Kaufman made a spontaneous statement that the marijuana was his. Kaufman was then arrested and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center. The juvenile passenger was not charged. Kaufman was later released on $5,000 bond.
