Man who ran from police arrested for allegedly stealing trailer

Published 6:35 pm Thursday, January 10, 2019

LANETT — A Lanett man involved in a single-vehicle wreck Monday on North 8th Street faces several charges including theft of a trailer, according to the Lanett Police Department.

Billy Kivette of Lanett has been charged for possession of a control substance, attempting to elude, reckless driving and theft of property in the third degree.

On Monday, officers recognized the white Toyota 4Runner near Pawn City in Lanett, believing it had been involved in the theft of a trailer earlier that day. Once the police attempted to contact Kivette, he drove away.

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Police Chief Johnny Wood said a high-speed chase ensued until Kivette turned onto North 8th Street. At that point, the driver lost control of the vehicle, hit a utility pole and flipped the SUV. Lanett Patrol Commander Richard Casner said it took another officer being in the right place at the right time to follow the vehicle to where he crashed.  After the wreck Monday, Casner said Kivette told police where the stolen trailer was located. The police found the stolen trailer and returned it to the owner.

The trailer was stolen from a house in Huguley the same day.

Kivette was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Columbus for treatment of a head wound. After he was released, he was picked up by deputies in Columbus and extradited back to Chambers County and charged.