Chase Ends in Crash in Birmingham; Man Arrested with Drugs, Guns
A horrifying spectacle unfolded in Birmingham, as a man led authorities on a police pursuit that ended with a crash at a local gas station. The suspect, identified as Bryant Lamar Robertson, who is now facing numerous charges connected to the chase, was found with a vast assortment of illegal drugs and firearms in his possession.
Details of the Chase
At approximately 2:00 PM on Wednesday, the Jefferson County Vice and Narcotics Unit was working on narcotics-related complaints near the Pratt City area. It wasn’t long before they identified a traffic violation—a Blue Ford Edge running a stop sign. Detectives moved to perform a routine traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Robertson, decided to flee the area, initiating a high-speed chase.
As law enforcement officials activated their emergency lights and gave hot pursuit, the chase ended abruptly when Robertson crashed at the local Citgo located at 3100 Ensley 5-Points West Avenue. Tragically, the pursuit also resulted in a Sheriff’s Office SUV colliding with a gas pump.
Immediate Aftermath and Arrest
Despite the violent crash, Robertson did not appear to have any visible injuries. Medical personnel treated him on the scene, and he was transported to the hospital for further examination as a precaution. The detectives involved in the pursuit also received medical attention at the scene and later, at the hospital.
Upon searching Robertson’s vehicle, authorities made a terrifying discovery. They seized 492 grams of methamphetamine, 18 grams of cocaine, 26 grams of fentanyl, 48 grams of heroin, and 18 grams of a fentanyl/methamphetamine mixture. In addition to the narcotics, they retrieved two firearms (reported stolen), five cell phones, three digital scales, baggies, a backpack, and a fanny-pack.
Anticipated Legal Proceedings
In light of the events, Robertson, aged 37, has been charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking heroin, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, felony fleeing and eluding, and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. He has been held on a $3 million bond.
Sheriff Mark Pettway, commenting on the incident, applauded the officers involved, noting his relief that they managed to seize “dangerous drugs and weapons that were heading to the streets of Jefferson County,” and made it clear that law enforcement professionals were taking every citizen complaint seriously.
Authorities have requested anyone with additional information related to the case to contact investigators directly. However, this event serves as a potent reminder of the constant efforts to keep the streets safe.
