Man arrested after alleged robbery leads to police chase on I-65

Published 4:14 pm Tuesday, June 11, 2024

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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Michael King is now facing multiple charges after allegedly committing robbery and fleeing from police on a chase that involved multiple police departments and ended in Birmingham.

The Alabaster Police Department arrested King, 30, of Bessemer, on the charges of robbery first degree, criminal mischief first degree, assault second degree, attempting to elude and unlawful possession of a pistol. King is currently held in the Shelby County Jail on no bond.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, Alabaster officers responded to a call for service at a closed gas station. Initial information indicated a vehicle had been stolen from the location. Upon arrival, officers encountered the victim who had injuries. The victim explained how that they were giving King a ride home when the assault allegedly took place. King then purportedly took the vehicle and left northbound on Interstate 65.

According to court records, King was purportedly armed with a semi-automatic pistol and also caused serious physical injury to the victim during the course of committing the alleged theft.

Pelham officers located the vehicle still northbound on Interstate 65 and attempted to stop King. King allegedly continued northbound on I-65 as officers from Hoover and Vestavia Hills joined in the efforts. King was eventually apprehended on Oxmoor Road in Birmingham.

King received a criminal mischief charge in the first degree after allegedly causing $22,000 of damage to the victim’s 2022 Nissan Sentra in an explosion.

Robbery in the first degree is considered a class A felony and is punishable with up to 10 years of imprisonment and $60,000 in fines.

Criminal mischief first degree, assault second degree, attempting to elude and unlawful possession of a pistol are all considered class C felonies punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and $15,000 in fines for each offense.

The APD expressed its gratitude to the Hoover Police Department, Pelham Police Department, Homewood Police Department and Vestavia Hills Police Department for assistance in the apprehension of King.