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    Crime

    Columbus police officer arrested after leading law enforcement on chases across east Alabama

    CNAW Newsroom —
    Columbus police officer arrested after leading law enforcement on chases across east Alabama
    1 of 3
    Key takeaways
    • Columbus police officer Melvin Hardge arrested March 14 after leading multiple law enforcement chases across east Alabama counties.
    • Hardge faced charges for attempting to elude and marijuana possession; he was Officer of the Month in 2023.

    A Columbus police officer has been arrested after leading East Alabama law enforcement on several chases.

    Image: Columbus GA Police Department

    Sources and jail records have confirmed Melvin Hardge was booked into the Lee County Jail on March 14, 2025, on two counts of attempting to elude and possession of marijuana. CNAW2News.com viewers spotted multiple law enforcement officers on Lee Road 222 where Hardge was caught.

    Image: CNAW2News.com viewer via What’s Happening in Smiths Station Facebook group

    The arrest came after he allegedly led law enforcement in Lee County and Russell County on multiple chases.

    Hardge was an officer at the Columbus Police Department, and was selected as Officer of the Month in 2023. He was promoted to Corporal in 2024. Hardge was also the officer who was caught on body camera and bystander cell phone video with people dancing on top of his patrol car.

    Columbus Police Department released a statement saying:

    The Columbus Police Department is aware of a recent traffic incident in East Alabama involving one of our officers. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is conducting an investigation, and we will also be conducting an internal review. We are committed to accountability and transparency and will cooperate fully with the investigation.

    CNAW2News.com has reached out to Lee County Sheriff’s Office for additional details. This remains a developing story.

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