Many drivers have been subjected to a police traffic stop. In most cases, they’re no big deal, and they, along with traffic cams, are one way law enforcement keeps roads safe. However, some people panic and attempt to evade traffic stops. This is especially the case if they know they’ve done something wrong. This happened recently when a former Alabama man tried to run from the police and ended up crashing into a squad car. 

This former community activist evaded a traffic stop and caused a crash

There are many reasons drivers could be pulled over for a traffic stop. One of the most common is when police officers notice people behind the wheel breaking the law. According to AL.com, Alabama police tried to stop Mercutio Terrell Southall,40, on October 28th for traffic offenses. However, instead of pulling over and letting the police investigate, Mercutio kept going. 

Naturally, the police officers pursued the driver to conduct the traffic stop. However, he ended up leading them all the way from Trussville to Tarrant, which Google Maps says is about 22 minutes or 13.2 miles. Before the chase officially ended, Mercutio crashed into a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office squad car. Notably, multiple Alabama law enforcement agencies assisted in stopping the former community activist. 

Now, the 40-year-old driver is facing four charges after trying to evade the traffic stop. They include unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude. Before taking him to jail, enforcement took the man to a local hospital for an evaluation. Notably, no one was injured in the chase. 

For more reading on law enforcement and road rules, check out our recent article about the new traffic cams protecting Albany schools.