Traffic stop leads to high-speed chase

CITRONELLE, Ala. (WALA) - Citronelle police are looking for a man who they said fled during a routine traffic stop, initiating a high speed chase.

Authorities said  an officer stopped Carlos Antwoin Emerson, 31, for speeding.

“He was real nervous,” said Officer Charles Phillips with the Citronelle Police Department. “He said he had to get the vehicle back to his girlfriend. When I asked him for his driver’s license,  he gave me a number and all the information came back as the same person.”

Officer Phillips said Emerson claimed to not have his identification on him and proceeded to give him false information.

Once the officer returned to the police station, he discovered the information he was given did not match Emerson’s picture.

“I was mad because he gave me false information. That's why I went back out looking for him,” said Officer Phillips.

Phillips said he located the vehicle, and that’s when he confronted Emerson a second time.

“At first, he just opened the door and said, ‘Well, what did you pull me over for?’ I said, ‘You know why,” said Phillips. “So I told him to get out of the vehicle -- he's under arrest. I grabbed him by his hand so he grabbed me by my hand to get mine off of his.”

Police said  the suspect sped off while holding Officer Phillips.

Shortly after, a high speed chase ensued through a residential area exceeding 60 mph, but Emerson got away.

Police said  he was driving a small black ford with a Georgia tag.

Authorities said the vehicle is a rental out of Atlanta due back Wednesday.

No word on why Emerson fled the scene.

The responding officer was not harmed.

If you have any information contact Citronelle Police.