FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY—A 29-year-old Birmingham man was arrested on the Briarwood Christian School football field after allegedly attempting to flee officers in the early morning hours of May 17.

At 3:29 a.m., a Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a vehicle, driven by Matthew Kline Vinyard, for a traffic violation on Eagle Point Drive. Vineyard allegedly eluded the deputy through the Eagle Point subdivision and wrecked his vehicle on Eagle Crest Drive. He then allegedly fled on foot into the woods, according to a news release from the SCSO.

Officers from the Hoover and Pelham police departments assisted in the search for Vinyard.

Hoover officers located Vinyard on the Briarwood Christian School football field.

Vinyard has been charged with open container of alcohol in a vehicle, driving under the influence, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting arrest, improper lane usage and failure of duty upon striking highway fixture.

Vinyard is being held in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $2,300.

“I wish to thank the Hoover Police Department and Pelham Police Department for assisting us in (apprehending) Vinyard so quickly,” Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego wrote. “Because of their help, this situation ended before impacting the residents of Eagle Point or interrupting classes at Briarwood Christian School.”