Tense traffic stop leads to arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TENSE TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ARREST

ALAMO, TN, February 22, 2025 – Last night, a routine traffic stop for speeding escalated into a tense situation involving a driver, identified as Gerald Lauderdale age 40, who refused to comply with officers’ commands by rolling up the windows and locking the doors of his vehicle – claiming to be a “Jamaican sovereign”.

In response to the situation, additional officers were called to the scene to provide mutual aid to prevent the driver from leaving the scene. After a thorough assessment of the situation, a tactical intervention was executed, successfully bringing the driver Lauderdale out of the car without further incident.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Lauderdale was in possession of a firearm, an illegal narcotic, has a violent criminal history, and is wanted out of Illinois. This is an ongoing investigation and any information you may have about this individual may be anonymously reported to us via the Crockett County Sheriff’s app.

“We are grateful that this situation was resolved peacefully and I am thankful for the tactical way in which all officers handled this situation last night,” said Sheriff Troy Klyce. “The safety of our officers and the community is our top priority. We encourage everyone to comply with law enforcement directives during a traffic stop to ensure everyone’s safety.”

As a reminder to the public: when encountering law enforcement officers with blue lights activated, please pull to the right, put your vehicle in park, and roll down your windows. Our officers will be kind yet firm in their dealings with the motoring public.

Law enforcement officers are trained to handle a wide range of situations and will make every reasonable effort to peacefully resolve incidents, whether that involves issuing a warning, a citation, or making an arrest if necessary. Compliance with officers’ requests ensures not only your safety but also the safety of our law enforcement personnel.

The Crockett County Sheriff’s Department appreciates the diligence and professionalism of all officers involved in this traffic stop including Bells PD and THP.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law. The defendant has the right to be arraigned on these charges and a bond will be set by the judge – not the arresting agency. The 28th Judicial District Attorney General Frederick Agee will be prosecuting this case where facts and evidence against the defendant will be presented in the court of law.

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