Bessemer Man Held on $3 Million Bond After High-Speed Chase Ends in Birmingham Citgo Crash; Drugs and Firearms Confiscated

A 37-year-old man from Bessemer is facing multiple serious charges and is being held on a $3 million bond following a high-speed police chase that ended in a crash at a Birmingham gas station. Authorities recovered a significant amount of illegal drugs and firearms from the scene.

The suspect, identified as Bryant Lamar Robertson, has been charged with several felonies, including trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, felony fleeing and eluding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. on Wednesday when the Jefferson County Vice and Narcotics Unit was conducting a follow-up investigation on narcotics complaints in the Pratt City area. Detectives, who were in a marked vehicle, attempted to stop a blue Ford Edge for a traffic violation after it failed to stop at a stop sign. According to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Henry Irby, the driver—later identified as Robertson—chose to flee, leading law enforcement on a pursuit through the city.

The chase came to a dramatic end when Robertson crashed his vehicle into the Citgo gas station located at 3100 Ensley 5-Points West Avenue. During the incident, one of the sheriff's office SUVs also collided with a gas pump. Although Robertson did not appear to have any visible injuries, he was taken to a hospital as a precaution after receiving initial treatment at the scene. Both detectives involved were also examined by medical personnel at the scene and later at a hospital.

A subsequent search of Robertson's vehicle led to the discovery of 492 grams of methamphetamine, 18 grams of cocaine, 26 grams of fentanyl, 48 grams of heroin, and an 18-gram mixture of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Authorities also seized two stolen firearms, five cell phones, three digital scales, and various packaging materials including baggies, a backpack, and a fanny-pack.

Sheriff Mark Pettway praised his deputies for their swift actions, stating, "I am very pleased that our deputies were able to seize these dangerous drugs and weapons before they could reach the streets of Jefferson County. The concerns of our citizens have not gone unnoticed."

Authorities are urging anyone with further information about the case to contact investigators at 205-325-1450, option 2, or to call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.