After five months, the homeless man who was shot by police during a skid-steer loader chase is still in the hospital.

After a bizarre pursuit involving a stolen Kubota skid-steer loader—a sort of heavy construction equipment more frequently seen at job sites than on the freeway—Mobile police shot homeless man Jones on January 30.

Police claim that Jones fled in the skid-steer after refusing to stop during an attempted traffic stop, starting a slow but deadly pursuit that endangered lives and damaged police cars.

A Highway Chase That is Unusual

The pursuit started around U.S. 90 on westbound Interstate 10 and developed like a fever dream. Authorities claim that Jones once swerved the large orange loader into oncoming traffic, which was traveling east in the westbound lanes, before turning around and getting off the highway. Officers later claimed that Jones attempted to purposefully strike one of them with the car when video showed the skid-steer colliding with a police cruiser.

The risky pursuit came to an end when officers finally opened fire. Jones was struck and suffered serious injuries. It is still unknown how many rounds were fired or by whom. Since the incident, Jones has been paralyzed, according to several media outlets.

Medical Condition Is Still Severe, Court Hearings Are Delayed

Jones' defense lawyer informed the judge that he is still in the hospital and is physically unable to attend his planned appearance in Mobile County District Court this week. The case was delayed by the court for August 21, when Jones is anticipated to appear for a preliminary hearing and arraignment.

Property theft, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, attempted assault, criminal mischief, and trying to avoid law enforcement are just a few of the numerous charges against him.

A Case With Many Unanswered Questions

The incident's bizarre imagery—a homeless man speeding down the highway in a stolen skid steer—as well as the unresolved issues with the police reaction have drawn attention. What was the number of officers who fired? Was it necessary to use deadly force? And what happens to a man who might be bedridden for the rest of his life for a crime that started with stealing a construction vehicle?

Even though Joseph Jones is no longer visible, his case—a peculiar and sad collision between desperation, policing, and the outskirts of society—continues to loom in the backdrop of Mobile's legal system.