Suspects arrested after fatal crash in Wetumpka

Published 5:02 pm Friday, March 22, 2019

According to an Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) press release, two suspects were arrested following an attempt to smuggle narcotics into Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women Thursday night.

ADOC agents made the arrests after the suspects were involved in a car accident, which left one person dead.

Around 7:30 p.m., agents noticed the suspects sitting in a vehicle on ADOC property – when they approached the vehcile, the suspects fled at high speeds and were followed by agents until the suspects’ vehicle crashed into the Coosa River.

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Agents and bystanders jumped into the river and rescued two suspects and a two-year-old child – the third suspect’s body was found later by first responders.

Officials have not yet released the name of the deceased suspect.

Rufus Brown, 31, and Jonisha Jordan, 21, both of Montgomery, were arrested and charged with possessions of marijuana, first degree, attempt to commit a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.

Additional charges are pending.

“I want to thank the City of Wetumpka, local and county law enforcement and all first responders for assisting our agents during their response to this incident,” said ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “It’s unfortunate that the suspects were willing to place themselves and a child in danger during the commission of a crime for monetary gain.”

ADOC officials are encouraging the public to contact the department at 1-866-293-7799 with any information regarding attempts to smuggle illegal contraband into Alabama prisons.