Officer Stephen Hutto was on patrol in the area of South Wayne Street and Effingham Road Aug. 11 when he saw Adrian Baker driving a silver Chrysler 300. Hutto knew Baker had several outstanding warrants, so he initiated a traffic stop. However, Baker fled on Effingham Road, eventually speeding through a yard occupied by several vehicles and people who had to move back at 121 Effingham Rd.
Baker next drove into a yard across the street in an attempt to get around a deputy’s patrol vehicle parked to block him. He briefly lost control of the vehicle while leaving the second yard and spun sideways. Upon regaining control of the car, Baker tried to drive around Hutto’s patrol vehicle but was unsuccessful. Hutto and the deputy eventually blocked Baker in on Effingham Road to end the vehicle pursuit.
However, Baker fled on foot with Hutto running in pursuit. Hutto fired his taser and hit Baker, but reported it appeared to have “no effect” as Baker kept fleeing and eventually jumped down a large cliff toward the back parking lot at 1111 S. Wayne St.
Hutto continued his pursuit of Baker while the deputy went around to cut him off. The deputy eventually fired his taser at Baker, which took effect this time and Baker was placed in custody with no further incident.
While searching Baker, officers located two clear plastic bags and a scale in an Air Jordan bag worn by Baker throughout the pursuit. One bag contained a clear crystal substance suspected of being methamphetamine and the other contained a hard, off-white substance suspected of being crack cocaine.
Warrants for felony fleeing/attempting to elude officers, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule II-controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and misdemeanor obstruction of officers were sworn against Baker. He also was issued misdemeanor traffic citations for driving while license suspended, reckless driving, and fleeing/ attempting to elude officers.