10-100: Policing Paradise on a Routine Traffic Stop & The Edge Life
UPDATE: Suspect Nygel Edge has turned himself in to @orangebeachpd
A routine traffic stop. Perhaps the four scariest words for any law enforcement officer. How many times do we hear the story of some awful tragedy begin with these four words. And yet, this week in Orange Beach, our local community was faced with just such a case, with tragedy narrowly avoided.
Enter one 23-year-old Nygel Edge. Orange Beach Police pulled Edge over for speeding (60 mph in a 45 mph zone according to news reports) this week about a mile west of the Flora-Bama Lounge on Highway 182. Edge initially complies and pulls over. The officer approaches Edge. Then we hear the squeal of tires, and watch as Edge peels off. Stumbling backwards from Edge we hear the officer yelling, "10-100, he's runnin'!"
Edge punches it toward the state line, reaching at times a speed near 100 mph, blowing through construction barrels in front of the Flora-Bama and almost taking out several pedestrians. Luckily no one was injured, probably because it was in the early morning hours. You can watch the chase below. Edge is still on the run.
What has not been reported is Edge's similar reckless driving and disregard of others in Mobile near Hillcrest and Old Shell Roads. On June 24, 2016, USA police officer Timothy Powell witnessed Edge as he "tore through the intersection heading North..." as he "ran the red light and endangered other drivers." Powell pulled Edge over as he pulled into The Grove parking lot. According to Powell, Edge was nervous and admitted he ran the red light and that he was on probation. Edge then consented to the officer searching his vehicle. The officer found a pill bottle with Edge's name on it containing "M. Amphet Salts" and a Vyvanse. Edge was then arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. Officer Powell's arrest narrative is below.
As for the probation case, Edge admitted to, it appears he was referring to another drug offense at the University of South Alabama from April 23, 2016, when he was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia. The USA police officer's narrative of this arrest is below:
On June 22, 2016 he was placed on good behavior for a period of 5 months for the paraphernalia charge, and the marijuana case was nolle prossed. On his felony possession of a controlled substance, Edge later pled out to a reduced misdemeanor charge of illegal possession of a prescription drug, and received probation.
So, Edge had been on good behavior on his paraphernalia charge for all of two days, when he was arrested for his felony amphetamine case by Officer Powell.
EDGE'S HEAVY FOOT
On November 11, 2017 Edge was also cited by a state trooper in Conecuh County for traveling 96 mph in a 70 mph zone. Edge later pled guilty and paid a fine.
Edge has several other traffic citations to include 80 mph in a 55 mph in Washington County on October 7, 2016. He later pled guilty and was fined. On December 12, 2014 he was cited for Reckless Driving in Mobile County for driving the wrong way.
As of this post, Edge is a wanted man, with a host of new charges to answer to from Orange Beach. If you have any information as to his whereabouts you are encouraged to contact Orange Beach Police (251) 981-9777 or info@orangebeachal.gov.
WKRG Story and Chase Video is Below
For more information of the dangers police face on "Routine Traffic Stops" check out The Danger That Traffic Stops Can Present to Police. Check out this video on the dangers of Routine Traffic Stops.
Matt Green and his associate Darrin Thompson represent personal injury and victims of reckless and DUI drivers. Matt served as a municipal court traffic court judge in the City of Mobile and the City of Saraland for nearly a decade. Before that Matt prosecuted major felonies, traffic homicides, and violent crimes in the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office. He teaches trial advocacy to Mobile Police Cadets and speaks to the Mobile County Court Referral Victim Impact Panel. Matt also fights for free speech, economic liberty, due process, and the American way. He may be reached at 251.434.8500 or by e-mail at mattgreenlaw@comcast.net
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