FROM THE ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (ALEA): At approximately 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division arrested Tyler Blaise Wilbanks (22 of Sylvania).

Tyler Blaise Wilbanks (22 of Sylvania)

Wilbanks was arrested in Pell City and charged with Manslaughter and a Felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident (LSA).  Wilbanks was the driver of a 2016 Chevy Equinox that fatally injured a juvenile that occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. Saturday, April 2, in Dekalb County.   

The Dekalb County DA's Office, Dekalb County Sheriff's Office, St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, Rainsville Police Department, Albertville Police Department, Fort Payne Police Department, Geraldine Police Department and The Center for Applied Forensics assisted in the arrest.

Nothing further is available as Troopers with ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the arrest: "We were proud to assist ALEA in this investigation. In our county tonight there is a family that is missing a loved one. While we can never take away their pain, at least they can rest knowing justice will be served." 

"Again, I have to commend our investigators and all the agencies that came together to resolve this case so quickly after it had occurred just Saturday night. Also, please keep the victim's family in your prayers as they continue to grieve," added Sheriff Welden. 

"God Bless!" Concluded Welden.