Alleged Drug Dealer Carried Daughter on Police Chase

A father charged with selling drugs is behind bars after authorities say he purposely crashed his car into a semi-tractor trailer during a police chase, then fled while carrying his 3-year-old daughter.

Panama City police say officers were trying to pull over Jonathan Clifford Griggs, 34, when he crashed his car on Tuesday. Authorities say his daughter was riding possibly unsecured in the front seat. He fled on foot with her, falling on her several times before throwing her over a chain link fence and entering someone's home. At one point during the chase, police said Griggs threatened to kill several young children playing in a nearby yard.

The Panama City News Herald reports authorities captured him inside the home. A search of his car uncovered a large amount of cash and marijuana packaged for sale.

He now faces several charges including seven counts of child abuse, aggravated assault and marijuana with intent to distribute.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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