The driver of a stolen truck who led two Morgan County deputies on a high-speed chase in the Union Hill area on January 31 is now in jail facing multiple charges, according to a press release from Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin.

Benton Junior West, 44, of Hambrick Road in Lacey’s Spring was taken into custody by Deputies Darrel Childers and John Dickson in the front yard of a Union Hill residence after he refused to stop and rammed both officers’ patrol vehicles while in the process of attempting to flee. He was charged with two counts of attempted assault I, reckless driving,

speeding, attempting to elude and driving under the influence.

The truck West was driving was reported stolen from a residence on Hobbs Island Road in Huntsville recently.

West was taken to Morgan County Jail and his bond has not been set.

Franklin said Deputy Dickson observed a 2002 red Dodge Ram 1500 speeding near Dunn Road at approximately 8:55 on Jan. 31.

The vehicle was clocked at 63 mph in a 45 mph speed zone. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect refused and fled.

Dickson continued the pursuit for several miles with Deputy Childers following the pursuit. He set up a blocking action at Telephone Tower and Apple Grove roads.

However, the suspect ignored the deputy’s patrol car and hit it while forcing his way past. The pursuit continued with both deputies in pursuit. Deputy Dickson was able to take a position in front of the offender’s vehicle. The truck driver then rammed Dickson’s truck, causing excessive damage.

Childers then took over as lead pursuit and initiated a pit maneuver. The suspect tried to power out of the pit but lost control, continuing into the yard of a residence just north of Union Hill Road, striking the property owner’s vehicle and also damaging shrubbery and the resident’s home.