Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is releasing new information in the collision which left a Coweta County deputy dead at the end of a high speed pursuit.

The agency says the crash occurred at approximately 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, on Interstate 85 near mile marker 78, approximately one south of Lanett, in Chambers County.

“Coweta County Sheriff Deputy Eric A. Minix, 31, of Luthersville, Ga., was fatally injured when the 2017 Ford Explorer patrol vehicle driven by Cornelius J. Robinson, 28, of Valley, struck Minix as he was exiting his patrol vehicle, the 2017 Dodge Charger,” ALEA said. “After the initial impact, the Explorer then struck the 2017 Dodge Charger before hitting the 2022 Dodge Challenger driven by Decedric Donson, 25, of Pensacola, Fla.”

Cornelius J. Robinson, an Officer with the Lanett Police Department, was responding to assist Deputy Eric Minix, who was in pursuit of Decedric Donson and the 2022 Dodge Challenger, which was stolen. 

Deputy Minix was transported to East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier in Valley, where he later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The following agencies responded to assist Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Troup County Sheriff’s Office, Grantville Police Department, Lanett Police Department, West Point Police Department, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol (GSP). 

Deputies with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office arrested Donson and charged him with Receiving Stolen Property in the First Degree and Felony Attempting to Elude. Donson was placed in the Chambers County Jail.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.