Suspects Flee Police Chase with Children in Car, Abandon 2 Kids at Walmart

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A man and woman are in custody after a reported shoplifting incident at a Shelby County Walmart turned into a high-speed police chase with children in the vehicle. The suspects fled northbound on U.S. 31, then took County Road 87 back to Interstate 65 South, with officers noticing children in the car. The vehicle continued at high speeds and in a reckless manner, leading to a multi-agency pursuit. Spike strips were deployed, causing the suspects to bail from the vehicle, which was found to have two small children inside. Two other children had been left behind at the Walmart in Calera.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases, especially when children are involved. It also raises concerns about the suspects' disregard for the safety of the children and the public, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with apprehending suspects.

The details

According to Calera Police Chief David Hyche, the incident began just before 2:30 p.m. on Sunday when police responded to a reported retail theft at a Walmart in Calera. The suspects, a man and a woman, fled northbound on U.S. 31, then took County Road 87 back to Interstate 65 South. Officers noticed children were in the car and backed off, but the vehicle continued at high speeds and in a reckless manner. Multiple law enforcement agencies joined the pursuit, including the Chilton County Sheriff's Office, Alabama State Troopers, and officers from Clanton and Jemison police departments. Troopers deployed spike strips while the vehicle was traveling the wrong way on I-65, causing the suspects to bail from the vehicle. The two small children were found in the abandoned vehicle, while two other children had been left behind at the Walmart in Calera.

• The incident began just before 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
• The suspects fled northbound on U.S. 31, then took County Road 87 back to Interstate 65 South.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The male suspect is being charged with felony attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, abandonment of a child, retail theft and 16 separate traffic violations. The female suspect, who has 46 prior arrests in four states, has multiple felony warrants and was released to the custody of the Elmore County Sheriff's Office. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) was notified to care for the children.