Retail Theft Suspects Flee Police, Leave Children at Walmart

Calera authorities apprehend two suspects after high-speed chase with children in the car

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Calera police responded to a reported retail theft at the local Walmart, leading to a high-speed chase with two suspects who had children in their vehicle. The suspects fled recklessly, with police backing off due to the children's presence, before their tires were spiked. The suspects then ran on foot but were ultimately apprehended, with authorities discovering two additional children had been left behind at the Walmart.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of retail theft and the risks posed to innocent bystanders, especially children, when suspects flee from law enforcement. It also raises concerns about the suspects' disregard for the welfare of the children involved and the broader impact of retail theft on the community.

The details

According to Calera Police, officers were notified of a reported retail theft at the Calera Walmart around 2:20 p.m. on Easter Sunday. When officers responded, the suspects fled the scene, driving recklessly and at high speeds on Highway 31, then Highway 87, and eventually onto I-65 southbound. Police say they backed off the pursuit after learning there were children in the suspects' vehicle. The suspects continued driving dangerously until their tires were spiked by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and Chilton County authorities, causing them to run on foot. The two suspects were eventually caught, and authorities discovered that two small children had been in the vehicle during the chase, while two other children had been left behind at the Walmart.

  • The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • The suspects fled the scene and led police on a high-speed chase across multiple highways.

The players

Calera Police

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the reported retail theft and pursued the suspects.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)

The state law enforcement agency that assisted in the pursuit and apprehension of the suspects.

Chilton County authorities

Local law enforcement agencies from Chilton County that also aided in the pursuit and capture of the suspects.

Walmart staff

The employees at the Calera Walmart who worked with police to address the retail theft incident.

The suspects

Two individuals, one from Montgomery with prior retail theft charges and another with 46 prior arrests across four states, who fled the scene with children in their vehicle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fleeing the police is stupid. Doing it with kids in the car is horrific and I don't know what to say about leaving two kids at Walmart while you try to escape with your stolen electronics.”

— Calera Police

What’s next

Authorities say the suspects are in custody and will face charges related to the retail theft, reckless driving, and endangering the children. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) has been notified to care for the children left at the Walmart.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious risks and consequences of retail theft, especially when suspects involve children and endanger public safety through reckless actions. It underscores the importance of strong law enforcement partnerships and community cooperation in addressing such crimes, which can have far-reaching impacts on local communities.