FOX10 Investigates: Man arrested in connection to motorhome crash has criminal records in Florida and Alaska

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - FOX10 is learning new details surrounding a hectic police chase in downtown Mobile that led to a camper crashing at the state docks.

Dale Paulson of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. was arrested and charged with attempting to elude, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest after allegedly trying to evade police.

After doing some digging, FOX10 News discovered he has faced similar charges in Alaska and Florida.

Investigators say they were responding to a traffic accident on the Interstate 65 and Interstate 10 interchange involving a motorhome and another car late Thursday afternoon.

Blake Brown, Public Information Officer for the Mobile Police Department, says the driver of the camper, Dale Paulson, initially pulled over after hitting the vehicle. However, when the driver of the other car got out of her vehicle, Brown says Paulson sped off.

“This was an odd one- again, you had a guy that side swiped a vehicle on the Interstate. He was acting like he was going to do the right thing and wait for the officers to arrive but instead left,” he said.

Brown says the woman in that accident suffered minor injuries. In the meantime, Brown says Paulson took off in the camper, and he exited towards Brookley Field before hitting another car. Thankfully, Brown says that person was unharmed.

“He caused another accident in the process and again, eventually disobeyed officers orders and continued to run from them,” added Brown.

Police say the chase ended at the state docks when Paulson crashed through the meal security gate.

“At one point close to the McDuffie Terminal, he was going 60 miles per hour on the side streets- so of course that’s a danger to the public,” Brown stated.

Paulson was charged with attempting to elude, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest.

Court records in both Florida and Alaska show Paulson has faced similar charges before.

In 2014, Florida court records show Paulson was found guilty for resisting arrest and narcotics. Before that, court records in Alaska show Paulson was found guilty of several crimes including resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence and reckless endangerment.

Mobile Police say a dog was found in Paulson’s motorhome and taken to the Mobile County Animal Shelter.

Jail records show Paulson was denied bond on Friday. He remains in the Mobile County Metro Jail.