Ski-Masked Suspects Open Fire on Dealership Security Guard
Two Memphis, Tennessee men were arrested after an attempted vehicle theft at a Huntsville, Alabama dealership escalated into a shooting, a multi-county pursuit, and a manhunt through the woods of Jackson County, according to authorities. The incident began at Lifted Trucks on University Drive, where investigators say the two suspects approached a security guard while wearing ski masks and opened fire in his direction as they allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle from the lot.
Guard Returns Fire, Suspects Flee in Stolen Challenger
The security guard returned fire as the suspects fled in a black 2018 Dodge Challenger that had reportedly been stolen earlier that day. The guard suffered injuries in the exchange that authorities described as not life-threatening, and he was taken to Huntsville Hospital Trauma Services for treatment. The dealership also reported damage to several vehicles on its lot.
Chase Crosses County Lines as Agencies Hand Off Pursuit
Officers attempting to stop the Challenger triggered a pursuit that grew to involve multiple law enforcement agencies. The Huntsville Police Department and Madison County Sheriff’s Office pulled back from the chase as speeds climbed and the vehicle crossed into Jackson County, citing public safety concerns. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Scottsboro Police Department took over from there.
Vehicle Leaves the Road, Suspects Flee on Foot
The pursuit ended when the Challenger left the roadway near the intersection of Alabama Highway 35 and Highway 79, and both occupants ran from the vehicle. One suspect, identified by police as Carlos Deshaun Clark, 19, was captured after a brief foot chase; he had been injured during the earlier shooting and received medical treatment before being booked into the Madison County Jail. Clark faces charges including first-degree assault, first-degree theft of property, discharging a firearm into an unoccupied building, and unlawful breaking and entering into a vehicle.
Drone Locates Second Suspect Hours Later
The second suspect, identified as Jase Martell Armstrong, 21, evaded capture for several hours before a police drone located him hiding in the woods. He was taken into custody the following morning and booked on charges including attempting to elude law enforcement, first-degree assault, first-degree theft of property, discharging a firearm into an unoccupied structure or vehicle, and unlawful breaking and entering into a vehicle.
The investigation remains ongoing, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.