By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Gov. Bob Riley has signed a new law that stiffens penalties on people who flee from law enforcement officers.
The law carries the name of Montgomery police officer Keith E. Houts, who was killed when he stopped a motorist on a traffic stop in 2006. The driver fled the scene but was captured in Georgia.
Under the new law signed Wednesday, attempting to elude an officer now results in penalties of up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Violators also face the loss of their driver's license for six months to 2 years, if convicted.
If someone is killed or harmed during a chase, the crime becomes a felony with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $5,000 fine.