Arrest expected after Mar. 5 wreck

By Melinda L. Lucas

Multiple sirens and the response of several emergency vehicles got the attention of local residents Friday evening, March 5 after a 911 call came in that a single vehicle had crashed through a fence along Hwy. 6 south of Albany and started a small fire.

Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller said Tuesday that the deputy who first answered the call asked for immediate backup because the driver appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

“He was suffering from ‘excited delirium,’ which can result in death, so we opted to send him in an ambulance for medical attention rather than arrest him at that time,” said Miller.

Excited delirium, also known as agitated delirium, is a syndrome described as a combination of psychomotor agitation, delirium, and sweating. It may include attempts at violence, unexpected strength, and very high body temperature.

Miller said that methamphetamine and marijuana were both found in the vehicle.

Although no arrest had been made at press time on Tuesday, Miller expects a first degree felony warrant to be issued soon.

The sheriff declined to release the name of the suspect until after the arrest is made and charges filed.