ARDMORE, Ala. -- A tractor-trailer led authorities on a chase that went through three counties on Interstate 65 on Thursday.
The chase came to a halt when the tractor-trailer ran into a guardrail in the median at Exit 365 in Ardmore at about 12:30 p.m.
The chase started in Cullman County and went through Morgan County and into Limestone County nearly to the state line before it ended.
Officers put down spike strips, but the driver didn't stop even though his tires were blown out and patrol cars and helicopters surrounded his vehicle, authorities said.
Capt. Stanley McNatt of the Limestone County Sheriff's department said deputies blocked exits as the tractor-trailer passed through Limestone County.
According to news reports, state troopers said the driver resisted arrest and officers zapped him with a stun gun. Troopers also found a gun and ammunition in the tractor-trailer.
Northbound traffic was diverted to avoid the site of the wreck.
In video posted online, the handcuffed and shackled driver told reporters he was caught in a struggle between God and the devil.
"There was a battle between the devil and the God," said the driver, who identified himself as Anton Barvinok. "They was fighting for me ... because I am the chosen one. Because of my big heart. I love everybody."
He said he knew police were behind him but he couldn't stop. He said he drove his tractor-trailer through hell and the reason he didn't stop was "To save you guys. To save you all. I don't want you to go down there. ... I went there. It's terrible. You don't want to go there, trust me."
The driver claimed he "saw the future" and spoke with God.
"I'm totally fine guys, and you're going to be all right too," he said as an EMT examined him.
Repeated calls to state troopers Thursday failed to yield confirmation on the driver's name or the nature of the charges he faces. Jailers at Limestone, Morgan and Cullman county jails were unable to find a listing for Barvinok or any similar name.
Copyright 2011 - The Decatur Daily, Ala.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
