Birmingham, AL 12/29/2016
Just after 1:00 am this morning deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a convenience store in the 2800 block of Cherry Avenue in Forestdale.
It was reported that two men had used a tow strap attached to a moving truck to snatch the front doors off of the business. When they realized they were being watched, they got into the moving van and drove away.
A description of the orange and white box van with the rental company logo was broadcast to responding deputies. A deputy spotted the vehicle on Minor Parkway near Highway 78. As the deputy pulled up behind the van, the driver pulled away running a red light in the process.
The deputy activated emergency lights and attempted to stop the truck. The driver refused to stop and a chase ensued. The chase traveled along Minor Parkway to Lexington Street and into Wylam. The driver stopped the truck at 10th Avenue and Huron Street in Wylam and both he and the passenger fled on foot.
Deputies assisted by Birmingham Police, Adamsville Police and Hueytown Police set up a perimeter and began a search with K9’s to locate the suspects.
Both suspects were captured a short time later.
36-year-old Derrick Dewayne Thomas of Wylam was arrested and charged with Attempting to Elude, Resisting Arrest and Public Intoxication. Additional charges of Burglary and Criminal Mischief are expected later today. He remains in the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $900.
The second suspect is a 17-year-old juvenile from Birmingham. He faces charges of Burglary, Criminal Mischief, and Attempting to Elude in juvenile court. His name is withheld due to his age.