Suspect Shot by Jefferson County Deputies After Chase Near I-20 in Birmingham

On Tuesday afternoon in east Birmingham, Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies shot a man after a high-speed chase.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency identified the suspect as 26-year-old Demarcos Javonte McAlpine from Center Point. Fortunately, McAlpine is expected to recover.

The incident began around 2:15 p.m. when deputies attempted to stop a Dodge Challenger near First Avenue North and 56th Street North for a traffic violation. However, McAlpine refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit, according to the sheriff’s office spokesman, Henry Irby.

During the chase, McAlpine reportedly hit deputies’ vehicles. Witnesses said that McAlpine was driving in the wrong direction up the ramp from Messer Airport when he crashed into a tree. Afterward, he exited the vehicle armed with a Draco gun and was shot three times in the back. Authorities have not confirmed how many times or where McAlpine was shot but did state that he had a weapon.

McAlpine was transported to UAB Hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. His injuries are not life-threatening, though a female deputy urgently called for medics over the radio.

Irby mentioned that no further details could be provided at this time, including whether McAlpine fired his weapon or if he was the only person in the vehicle.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is leading the investigation, as is customary in officer-involved shootings.