Wanted felon flees at over 100 mph in vehicle chase before being apprehended
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A wanted felon has been apprehended after leading officers on a vehicle chase on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m.
The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit attempted to stop a white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado occupied by Jason Lynn Souder, 52, at Gault AVE N and Alabama Ave in Fort Payne, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).
They say Souder did not stop and led officers on a vehicle chase.
They say Souder attempted to elude Deputies, Investigators, Narcotics Agents, and Fort Payne Police Officers up County Road 137 towards Valley Head at speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Souder came to a stop at the intersection of County Road 761 and County Road 954 and them attempted to elude on foot through a heavily wooded area where he was apprehended after a brief foot chase, the DCSO says.
Methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun that had recently been reported stolen out of Piedmont, Alabama was found in Souder’s vehicle after a search.
Souder was transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center and charged with the following:
- Felony Attempt to Elude
- Possession of Controlled Substance w/ Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Receiving Stolen Property 2nd
- Attempted Assault 2nd
- Certain Persons Forbidden to Poss. Firearm
- Criminal Mischief 1st and Reckless Endangerment
A female passenger who exited Souder’s vehicle in Fort Payne at the beginning of the pursuit was transported to Erlanger Hospital, according to the DCSO.
This case is ongoing.
