Reckless Driving Incident Leads to High-Speed Pursuit and Crash in Bonifay

On June 21, 2024, deputies from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a report of reckless driving involving motorcycles near the intersection of Highway 79 and Highway 160. The incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit, resulting in a crash and injury to one of the motorcyclists.

According to the HCSO, two motorcycles traveling at excessive speeds passed a deputy heading south on Highway 79. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but both motorcycles evaded, leading to a pursuit. One motorcycle veered north onto Highway 177, with the deputy in pursuit. Despite efforts to apprehend the motorcyclist, the deputy eventually lost sight of the vehicle, necessitating the termination of the pursuit.

Meanwhile, the second motorcycle continued its southbound trajectory on Highway 79, entering the city limits of Bonifay. Another HCSO deputy engaged in pursuit but similarly lost visual contact with the fleeing motorcyclist, resulting in the cancellation of the chase.

The situation escalated when a Bonifay Police Department officer later spotted the elusive motorcycle traveling on Highway 177. The officer observed the motorcycle heading south on Highway 79, just north of Bonifay, and initiated another pursuit. This chase extended into Washington County, where deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) assumed control as the pursuit entered their jurisdiction.

The high-speed chase concluded when the motorcycle failed to negotiate a curve, leading to a crash. The motorcyclist, identified as Landon Howard of Alabama, sustained injuries and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have indicated that charges could be forthcoming against Howard pending further investigation.

This incident highlights the dangers associated with reckless driving and the challenges law enforcement faces in ensuring public safety during high-speed pursuits. The HCSO and WCSO continue to collaborate on the investigation and will provide updates as they become available.