Multiple officers were injured during a lengthy chase that spanned two Alabama counties Wednesday afternoon.
The ordeal began shortly before 5 p.m. when Pelham police officers were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle and its driver, who is said to be well-known to law enforcement, on Interstate 65.
The chase traveled into Calera, where Chief David Hyche said the fleeing suspect struck an Alabama State Trooper who was on foot putting out spike strips.
The trooper went airborne, Hyche said, and possibly sustained a broken ankle.
The trooper was rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham via police escort. Pelham police said his injuries are not life-threatening.
Multiple law enforcement agencies – including Calera, Pelham, Alabaster and state troopers – continued the pursuit, which traveled into Chilton County.
The suspect, who has not been identified, then turned back toward Shelby County.
The chase ended at Exit 234 -the airport exit – when lawmen were able to get the suspect vehicle stopped in front of Jack’s in Calera.
When Calera officers tried to take him into custody, Hyche said, one of his officers was bitten and another officer was possibly stabbed with a syringe.
Both Calera officers were taken to Shelby Baptist Medical Center for treatment.
The suspect was also taken to the same hospital.
While there, authorities said, the suspect punched a Pelham police officer in the face. A Calera detective intervened to subdue the suspect and also sustained injuries.
“This was a melee,” Hyche said of the entire incident.
Hyche said his police have twice previously been involved in chases with the same suspect.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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