On May 13, at approximately 2:45 p.m., law enforcement officials in Montgomery County initiated a pursuit of a suspect identified as Powell after he was observed operating a stolen vehicle on Federal Drive near Atlanta Highway. Officers first spotted Powell on Federal Drive, then again approximately five minutes later on Oak Forest Drive, where he was traveling at high speed. When law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Powell refused to comply and fled, prompting a chase. During the pursuit on Atlanta Highway, Powell was clocked exceeding 113 mph. He then turned onto Eastdale Road South, where he collided with another vehicle before continuing to flee the scene. The driver of the other vehicle sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The chase ultimately ended when Powell crashed on East Shirley Lane. He exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers following a brief foot pursuit. Inside the stolen vehicle, law enforcement recovered a backpack containing a firearm and a substance believed to be marijuana. Powell is currently held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility on bond exceeding $100,000.

Location and Infrastructure

The incident unfolded across several roadways in the Montgomery County area, beginning on Federal Drive near Atlanta Highway — a corridor that sees significant daily traffic volume as a primary arterial route connecting residential and commercial zones in the region. Atlanta Highway is a well-traveled multi-lane road known for high vehicle speeds and frequent merge points, making it particularly dangerous during high-speed pursuits. Oak Forest Drive and Eastdale Road South are neighborhood-adjacent roads that intersect with the broader Atlanta Highway network, creating mixed-use traffic conditions with both residential and through traffic. East Shirley Lane, where the pursuit concluded, is a local street where the sudden presence of a high-speed chase would have posed extreme danger to residents and motorists. The multi-road nature of this chase significantly elevated the risk of serious injury to uninvolved drivers and pedestrians throughout the area.

Legal Rights and Considerations

The driver of the vehicle struck by Powell on Eastdale Road South may have significant legal rights under Alabama personal injury and tort law. Injured parties in motor vehicle collisions caused by a fleeing suspect may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Under Alabama law, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, meaning timely action is important. The presence of a stolen vehicle and firearm may introduce additional criminal liability considerations that can affect related civil proceedings. Victims should document all medical treatment, preserve evidence, and notify their own automobile insurance carrier promptly, as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may be relevant when the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance. Consulting a licensed Alabama attorney familiar with personal injury law is advisable to understand the full scope of available legal remedies.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• Montgomery County Sheriff's Office – Primary law enforcement agency involved in the pursuit
• Montgomery Fire & Rescue – Local emergency medical response
• Local area hospitals – For ongoing medical care and documentation of injuries

Traffic Safety Resources

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT): www.dot.state.al.us
• Montgomery City-County Traffic Engineering Division – For road safety concerns along the involved corridors

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission (ACVCC): Provides financial assistance to victims of crime-related injuries – www.acvcc.alabama.gov
• Alabama 2-1-1: Statewide helpline connecting residents to health and human services support

State Laws and Regulations

• Alabama Rules of the Road – Title 32, Alabama Code: www.legislature.state.al.us
• Alabama Fleeing and Eluding Statutes – Code of Alabama § 13A-10-52
• Alabama Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury – Code of Alabama § 6-2-38