By Patrick McCreless

A Logan area man allegedly led local law enforcement agents on a vehicle chase Wednesday in which he injured one deputy and damaged two patrol vehicles — all while his unrestrained child was with him.

Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Christopher Wayne Lynn, 23 at his residence for endangering the welfare of a child, assault in the second degree, two counts of reckless endangerment, three counts of criminal mischief in the first degree, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, domestic violence and numerous traffic violations.

The injured deputy, Cpl. Chris Willingham, was transported from the scene to the emergency room of Cullman Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

Lynn’s 23-month-old son was not injured, despite not wearing a seat belt.

“He was not restrained in any way during the erratic driving,” said Chief Deputy Tony Quick.

Quick said the incident stemmed from a domestic violence complaint the sheriff’s office received from Lynn’s residence around 2 p.m. Wednesday.

“Once deputies arrived, there were visible signs of assault on Mr. Lynn’s wife,” Quick said. “He admitted to having the altercation with his wife and during the process of the arrest, Mr. Lynn asked if he could visit with his child before leaving the residence.”

Deputies granted the request, at which point Lynn went into his residence, grabbed is son and ran to a nearby house. He then allegedly took a Chevrolet pickup truck parked nearby and drove away on County Road 818.

Patrol deputies pursued Lynn and after a short chase, he returned to his residence and began driving in circles in his front lawn.

“He refused deputies’ commands to stop,” Quick said.

At some point, Willingham exited his patrol car and gave voice commands for Lynn to stop his vehicle.

“Mr. Lynn swerved toward Cpl. Willingham, running into him and knocking him down,” Quick said.

A short time later, two more patrol vehicles arrived at the scene to assist with the incident.

“That’s when he (Lynn) rammed both their patrol vehicles,” Quick said.

Quick said Lynn then left his son in the vehicle and ran into his residence.

“Deputies pursued him on foot and found Lynn and that he had acquired a rifle,” Quick said. “Deputies ordered him to the ground ... he complied and they arrested him.”

Quick said it was currently unknown if Lynn was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident.

“The reasons for his actions and him reacting in a careless and reckless manner has yet to be determined,” he said.

Lynn is incarcerated at the Cullman County Detention Center on multiple bonds that total $40,000.

• Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.