A property check in Mobile, Alabama escalated into a police chase this week after a confrontation between a homeowner and a suspected squatter ended with the homeowner’s own truck being stolen and crashed.
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How the Confrontation Began
According to police, homeowner Karlos Argo was in the process of selling his property on Isabel Way West when he received a tip about a broken window at the home, which had reportedly attracted squatters before. Argo went to investigate and found 24-year-old Romane Proctor inside. Proctor fled the scene, and Argo pursued him on foot while calling 911, leading to a physical altercation in the street.
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Truck Stolen, Pursuit Follows
During the struggle, police say Proctor broke free, got into Argo’s truck, and drove off. Responding officers pursued the vehicle as it traveled at high speed down Government Boulevard, a residential corridor, before crashing into a tree. The impact caused significant damage to the truck, including deployed airbags and a crushed front end.
Charges Filed
Proctor was taken into custody and is being held at Mobile Metro Jail, facing charges including theft, assault, and evading police. Argo sustained minor injuries during the altercation. As with any pending case, the charges are accusations, and Proctor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A History With the Property
Police say Proctor had a prior connection to the home, having reportedly been evicted from the property about a year earlier. Neighbors said trespassing incidents involving the vacant home have been an ongoing concern in the area. Investigators continue to examine Proctor’s history with the property and the full sequence of events leading up to the crash.