By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
What began as a routine transfer of a suspect from Poarch to Brewton turned violent Wednesday evening as a suspect wrestled away from a Poarch Public Safety officer and escaped.
Poarch law enforcement officials said they were notified late Wednesday evening after someone saw Archie Jackson Jr., a man who is wanted by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office on a failure to appear warrant, walking along County Road 14. Officer Linda McGhee responded to the vicinity where she made contact with the suspect and picked him up about one-half mile from the Poarch Public Safety office.
Upon communication with the sheriff's office, Poarch officials said they were notified that there was not a deputy available to drive into Poarch to pick Jackson up. An arrangement was made to transport the suspect to Flomaton where an exchange would be made with a deputy.
Poarch Police Chief Stan Stuart said the trip went well until the officer reached Flomaton.
Stuart said Jackson was riding in the front passenger seat because the car had no cage in the back. All of the doors were locked and could only be unlocked on the driver's side.
As they approached a red light at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and U.S Highway 29, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Jackson allegedly tried to overtake McGhee.
In the struggle, Jackson allegedly kicked McGhee in the head and on the face several times, eventually making his way out of the automobile and into a nearby neighborhood.
An Escambia County deputy arrived moments after the incident and medics were called to assist McGhee. Stuart said the officer sustained bruising on her face and head, but that she did not require further medical attention and is currently doing well.
Tracking dogs were brought in from the Fountain Correctional Facility to try to find Jackson, but lost the scent after searching for several hours. Jackson is still at-large and being sought by local law enforcement officials.
Poarch Public Safety has filed charges against Jackson for escape and assault. Both charges are felonies because the assault was committed against a police officer.
Those with information regarding Jackson's location should call the Poarch Public Safety Office at 368-9136, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office at 867-0229 or the Atmore Police Office at 368-9141.