Altamont Man Arrested in Weekend Pursuit in Effingham

An Altamont man was taken into custody Saturday night after Effingham City Police assisted Neoga Police Department and Cumberland County Sheriff's Department in apprehending him. The man is alleged to have attempted to strike a Cumberland County deputy with his vehicle before fleeing to Effingham.

44-year-old Randall E. Dye was arrested. At approximately 11:19pm Saturday, Effingham city officers were called to assist in apprehending Dye as he drove into the city. City police say they monitored Dye's vehicle at a safe distance traveling through Effingham. During the course of travel, Dye's vehicle struck and damaged a trash can owned by Midtown Fuels at 503 W. Jefferson. Dye's vehicle also drove through Bliss Park, striking and damaging a picnic table, bench, tree and two street signs, all owned by the City of Effingham. The vehicle then drove through a chain link fence at South Side School at 211 W. Douglas and crashed through various pieces of playground equipment before driving through another fence to exit the school property. 

(THE DAMAGED FENCE AT SOUTH SIDE SCHOOL)

Dye's vehicle ultimately came to a stop after striking and damaging a fuel pump at Casey's General Store at 1101 South Banker. Dye was taken into custody by Neoga Police Department after being assisted in exiting the vehicle by Effingham city officers. Dye was injured during the series of incidents and was transported by ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham for treatment.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing by Effingham city police, and charges are expected to be filed by the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office. Charges are also pending in Cumberland County.