By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Two people were seriously injured Saturday when a shoplifting suspect’s vehicle reportedly crashed into them.

The collision happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Walker Chapel Road and Greenbriar Road.

Det. Polly Rodriguez said Lans Royal, 37, of Lincoln had allegedly tried to shoplift about $900 worth of over-the-counter medicine from the Winn Dixie on Decatur Highway.

She said the type of medicines that Royal was allegedly shoplifting is typically used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Royal reportedly was unable to walk out of the store with any of the medicines.

Rodriguez said shortly after receiving the shoplifting call at the police station, Sgt. Allen Evans had pulled over a van being driven by Royal.

Rodriguez said the van, a Ford Windstar, was reportedly stolen out of Birmingham on June 28.

Rodriguez said Evans instructed Royal to stay put, but instead Royal allegedly took off, heading west on Walker Chapel Road with Evans briefly in pursuit.

However, Rodriguez said the van was traveling at such a high rate of speed, Evans was unable to stay behind Royal.

Rodriguez said upon approaching the intersection of Walker Chapel Road and Greenbriar Road, Royal reportedly swerved into the eastbound lane of Walker Chapel, hitting a Chevy Tahoe head-on.

Rodriguez said the force of the crash knocked the van into the nearby

Chevron, knocking down the gas station’s sign.

There were two occupants of the Tahoe, a 39-year-old female and a 36-year-old male. Rodriguez did not want to release their names because she had not had a chance to fully interview them.

She said she could also not comment on the nature of their injuries. However, she did say that the male was ejected from the vehicle. Both vehicles were reportedly totaled.

The two passengers, along with Royal, were transferred to UAB Hospital. Rodriguez said Royal broke his femur.

Rodriguez said Royal may face several charges stemming from Saturday’s wreck.

Fultondale Police Chief Byron Pigg said a police pursuit was not to blame for the wreck because officers were not in sight of the vehicle.

“They only thing they knew was the direction he (Royal) was going,” Pigg said.