David Earl Perian
David Earl Perian, 35, of Cleveland was arrested on multiple charges on Monday after he led police in a foot chase, and then stole a vehicle.
Sheriff Eric Watson and members of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office’s Patrol Division were notified Monday morning of a reckless driver in the area of US 64 and Durkee Road.
Minutes later, officers discovered the vehicle, a 2005 Ford Escape, failed to stop at a stop sign at Dixie Drive and US 64.
Sheriff Watson attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle on Orlando Drive, just off Dixie Drive. At that point, Perian bailed from the Ford on foot, crossing a barbed-wire fence, onto the property of Simpson Construction Company. There, the man stole a pickup truck belonging to the company, ramming a gate before exiting the wrecked truck on foot, running into a field where Bradley County patrol officers and Sheriff Watson took him into custody.
Perian has been charged with felony evading arrest, resisting arrest, theft of a motor vehicle over $1,000, possession of drug paraphernalia (a glass methamphetamine pipe), criminal trespass, failure to stop at a stop sign and driving while suspended.
Sheriff Watson praised the speed with which the patrol officers took control of the situation and made the arrest. “This is proof we are not going to stand for thieves and reckless behavior in Bradley County. Due to the patrol officers’ quickness and alertness, this man was taken off the street and is in jail.”
Damage to the gate at Simpson Construction was valued at $800 and the stolen truck was valued at $2,500. An investigation into the case has been turned over to members of the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions. A Bradley County officer sustained a hand injury during the foot chase across a barbed wire fence. He was treated and released at the scene by Bradley County EMS.