Sulligent Man Sentenced For Attempting To Elude Police

VERNON, AL — A Sulligent man will serve six months in jail after pleading guilty to attempting to elude law enforcement in Vernon last month.

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24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin on Tuesday announced that Robert Perry Ogden, 47, to the felony large last week in Lamar County District Court

Following a sentencing hearing, Circuit Court Judge Jacob West handed down a 12-month sentence, split to serve six months in the Lamar County Jail followed by two years of supervised probation.

Hamlin said after the initial six months of confinement, Ogden could be ordered to serve the full 12 months in jail if he violates any terms of probation.

Ogden was first charged a Vernon Police Department officer stopped him at a driver’s license checkpoint on Sept. 14 and instructed him to exit the vehicle due to active warrants.

Hamlin said Ogden attempted to run as the officer was cuffing him. This prompted a scuffle before Ogden broke free and ran.

Ogden was eventually taken into custody and charged with attempting to elude.

“This defendant’s repeated attempts to elude law enforcement pose a serious threat to public safety,” Hamlin said. “This sentence reflects the severity of the offense. We are committed to holding individuals accountable for their actions.”

Hamlin went on to say that Ogden had previously been convicted of attempting to elude officers in Lamar County on numerous occasions.

“If you attempt to flee or resist law enforcement, there must be consequences," Hamlin said. "I am appreciative that the Court listened to all of the factors that were presented and imposed punitive consequences by ordering the defendant serve six months in jail.”

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