Calhoun and Cleburne County Law Enforcement involved in Pursuit and Shots Fired

Calhoun County, AL – Calhoun County, AL – On Friday, December 12, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office attempted to execute an arrest warrant in the Oxford area. Upon arrival, deputies observed a male and female enter a vehicle as they approached. During a press conference held on December 15, 2025, Sheriff Falon Hurst advised that deputies attempted to approach the vehicle and ordered the occupants to exit, but they refused to comply.

The male driver, later identified as Terry Ray Winslett, 40, of Oxford, then attempted to strike deputies with his vehicle and fled the area, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit proceeded through Oxford to Highway 78 toward Cleburne County. During the pursuit, Winslett was seen leaning out of the driver-side window, pointing a handgun, and firing at pursuing deputies. It is believed that the female passenger, identified as Jessica N. Garner, 39, of Centerville, may have assisted in controlling the steering of the vehicle while Winslett engaged deputies with gunfire.

The pursuit and gunfire continued into Cleburne County, where the City of Heflin Police Department and Cleburne County deputies were positioned to assist. When the vehicle entered Cleburne County, Heflin Police worked to take the lead in the pursuit. The first PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver occurred at Almond Street and Highway 9 but was unsuccessful due to Winslett firing at the officer.

The pursuit continued onto westbound Interstate 20, where a Heflin Police officer attempted another PIT maneuver. Winslett again opened fire on the pursuing vehicle. The pursuing officer then changed tactics and successfully conducted a PIT maneuver on the passenger side of the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle spun and struck the patrol unit, leaving both vehicles immobilized. Winslett exited the vehicle and again opened fire on law enforcement officers, who returned fire.

Winslett then fled on foot into a wooded area in the center median and was temporarily out of sight of law enforcement. He was able to reach the eastbound side of I-20, where he forcefully took another vehicle and proceeded to drive westbound in the eastbound lanes. Law enforcement again engaged in pursuit. Winslett was unable to control the stolen vehicle and crashed once more, exiting the vehicle and climbing onto a nearby tractor-trailer, resulting in a standoff.

Winslett purposefully placed his hand inside his jacket, leading law enforcement to believe he was still armed. Heflin Police Chief Ross McGlaughn advised that it was later determined Winslett was no longer armed, and a Taser was deployed, ending the incident. Winslett was taken into custody and transported to the Cleburne County Jail.

Sheriff Falon Hurst advised that one of his deputies’ vehicles was struck by at least one round. He stated that the investigation is being handled by an agency not involved in the pursuit or shooting and that no additional information could be provided at this time.

Heflin Police Chief Ross McGlaughn stated that the officer involved in the PIT maneuver was also struck by at least one round, but the investigation remains ongoing. Chief McGlaughn further stated, “There are six separate crime scenes, so an extended investigative time is expected.”

Cleburne County Sheriff Jon Daniel confirmed that none of his deputies’ vehicles were directly struck by gunfire. Three Cleburne County deputies were involved in the pursuit and capture of Winslett. Sheriff Daniel also explained that the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and expects additional charges against Winslett, as well as potential charges against Garner.

Sheriff Hurst also stated, “I am glad that none of the deputies were hurt and thankful that no innocent citizens were injured by the suspects’ actions.”

During the press conference, Calhoun County District Attorney Lynn Hammond advised that her office is monitoring the investigation closely and is available to investigators as needed. D.A. Hammond explained that both Calhoun and Cleburne counties are part of the 7th Judicial Circuit and that her office will handle both prosecutions. She further explained that a charge of attempted murder in Alabama carries a minimum sentence of 10 years, which increases to a minimum of 20 years if a firearm is used.

Currently, Winslett is in custody at the Cleburne County Jail, facing four counts of attempted murder—two from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office and two from the Heflin Police Department. Sheriff Hurst advised that Winslett will face at least five additional counts of attempted murder in Calhoun County once he is returned.