Louis Southern was arrested by Sierra Vista Police Department officers on multiple charges Wednesday morning after he was reported for reckless driving, led officers on a vehicle pursuit, struck a utility light pole on the side of the road, and later assaulted a police officer during processing.
Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) officers responded to the area of South Highway 92 and Buffalo Soldier Trail at about 9:10 a.m. when several concerned citizens called in to report a white pickup truck with a large equipment rack was traveling at high speeds and running red traffic lights along southbound Highway 92. Another call came in at about 9:30 a.m. reporting that a truck meeting the same description was being driven recklessly in the area of Highway 92 and Avenida Cochise. SVPD officers soon learned that the truck was parked in the 1900 block of Highway 92 and the driver was outside waiving a hammer around.
The officer responding to the scene observed the truck pulling onto southbound Highway 92. The officer attempted a traffic stop after the truck turned westbound onto Avenida Cochise. Southern failed to yield and continued westbound on Avendia Cochise, reaching speeds in excess of 65 mph in a 45 mph zone while also swerving in and out of traffic, making unsafe lane changes, and following other vehicles too closely.
Southern lost control of the truck near Avenida Cochise and Remington Drive, leaving the roadway and striking a light pole. Southern then continued westbound on Avenida Cochise for a short distance before coming to a stop. SVPD officers then arrested Southern.
While inside the Sierra Vista Police Department for processing, Southern fought with officers and kicked one officer in the leg. He attempted to kick the officer a second time and it was deflected by the arresting officer.
Southern was booked into the Cochise County Jail on the following charges: unlawful flight from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle, reckless driving, aggressive driving, criminal speed, aggravated assault to a law enforcement officer, felony criminal damage, and displaying a fictitious license plate.