Executive Summary
- Pursuit began in Calhoun County during an attempted warrant service.
- Suspects exchanged gunfire with deputies across two counties.
- Incident concluded on I-20 with a crash, carjacking, and standoff.
- No injuries were reported; two suspects are in custody.
A high-speed pursuit spanning two Alabama counties culminated in a standoff and arrests Friday night after suspects exchanged gunfire with law enforcement officials along Interstate 20. Two individuals are in custody following the chaotic series of events that began with an attempted warrant service and ended with a carjacking.
The incident commenced shortly before 8:30 p.m. in the Oxford area of Calhoun County. According to Calhoun County Sheriff Fallon Hurst, deputies were attempting to execute an arrest warrant when the suspect fled, initiating a chase. Sheriff Hurst stated, "The suspect opened fire on the deputies throughout the pursuit." The chase proceeded onto Highway 78 near Heflin, where Cleburne County deputies joined the response.
Authorities reported that the fleeing vehicle moved between local streets and the interstate before crashing near mile marker 199 on I-20. Following the crash, an additional exchange of gunfire occurred, and the suspect fled into a wooded area. Police allege the suspect then carjacked another motorist before a brief standoff ensued, with the suspect standing atop a vehicle. Both the male driver and a female passenger were apprehended without injury to law enforcement or civilians.
Investigative Outlook
The multi-agency investigation forced the closure of Interstate 20 until early Saturday morning, reflecting the scale and complexity of the crime scene. As detectives process evidence from the shootout and carjacking, charges are expected to be filed in multiple jurisdictions. Law enforcement officials have indicated that further information regarding the suspects’ identities and the specific nature of the original warrant will be released as the inquiry progresses. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
