- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Bridgeport Today
By the People, for the People
Suspected Shoplifter Leads Police on 25-Mile Chase Through North Alabama
Authorities say the suspect crashed through a drive-thru, destroyed property, and abandoned a truck that later caught fire.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 50-year-old Mississippi man has been charged with multiple felonies after leading police on a 25-mile chase through several North Alabama communities on Saturday morning. The suspect, Michael Lee White, allegedly stole items from a business, crashed through a drive-thru area, and destroyed property before abandoning a truck that later caught fire.
Why it matters
High-speed police chases can endanger public safety, and this incident highlights the risks involved when suspects flee from law enforcement. The case also raises questions about retail theft and property crime in the region.
The details
According to police, officers were dispatched around 8:46 a.m. on Saturday to a report of a theft. They located the suspect vehicle, a silver GMC truck pulling a 44-foot trailer, in the parking lot of a Zaxby's restaurant. The driver, later identified as Michael Lee White, allegedly struck a drive-thru stand with the trailer, drove through a flower bed, destroyed a business sign, and fled the scene when officers tried to stop him. A pursuit ensued, lasting approximately 25 miles and involving multiple law enforcement agencies, before the vehicle slowed, pulled over, and the driver fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. The truck later caught fire and was extinguished by firefighters.
- The incident began around 8:46 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2026.
- The 25-mile chase lasted for an unspecified duration before the suspect abandoned the vehicle.
The players
Michael Lee White
A 50-year-old man from Tupelo, Mississippi, who has been charged with multiple felonies related to the incident.
Scottsboro Police Department
The law enforcement agency that initially responded to the reported theft and led the pursuit.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
One of the agencies that assisted in the pursuit of the suspect.
Stevenson Police Department
One of the agencies that assisted in the pursuit of the suspect.
Bridgeport Police Department
One of the agencies that assisted in the pursuit of the suspect.
What’s next
Authorities have stated that Michael Lee White will face multiple felony charges, including attempting to elude police, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, theft of property, and reckless driving. He is currently being held at the Jackson County Jail.
The takeaway
This high-speed chase through North Alabama highlights the risks and dangers associated with suspects fleeing from law enforcement. The incident resulted in significant property damage and raises concerns about retail theft and public safety in the region.
