Background: Highway 79 in Washington County, Fla. (Google Maps). Inset: Albert Dale Searcy (Washington County Sheriff”s Office).
In a dramatic incident on Florida’s Highway 79, a man was arrested after he leaped from a moving vehicle upon discovering that his daughter had dialed 911 to report him. The man, identified as 46-year-old Albert Dale Searcy, now faces multiple charges, including child abuse and domestic violence battery.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office detailed the events in a Facebook post, revealing that dispatchers received a call from a young girl reporting a domestic dispute between her parents, Albert and Heather Searcy, while traveling with their family—including two other children—in the car.
Upon realizing police were in pursuit, Albert Searcy made the reckless decision to jump from the vehicle before it came to a stop, according to law enforcement officials.
The quick-thinking young caller was able to provide vital information to the 911 dispatcher, including their location on Highway 79 and a description of the vehicle, before the call was abruptly disconnected. This information enabled deputies to locate the vehicle and attempt to pull it over.
Despite deputies signaling for the car to stop, the driver, Albert Searcy, continued driving north. He only opened the driver’s door and exited the vehicle while it was in motion. Authorities soon apprehended him after pursuing him on foot.
Meanwhile, Heather Searcy managed to take control of the car by climbing over the center console, bringing it to a safe stop. When officers reached her, they observed visible injuries consistent with a physical altercation. Heather recounted that she had pleaded with her husband to stop the car and let her and the three children exit, a request he allegedly ignored.
Heather Searcy said that her husband had not only allegedly struck her but had also allegedly struck his daughter after realizing that she called 911 on him. She explained to police that the family had recently moved to Florida from Louisiana, which was where they had been heading during the alleged altercation.
Emergency medical responders cleared the family after treating them at the scene.
Albert Searcy was taken into custody and charged with child abuse, domestic violence battery, false imprisonment, tampering with or harassing a witness, attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting arrest, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. He was booked into Washington County Jail, where he remains behind bars.
