Fort Payne pursuit ends in crash and suspect’s suicide

MGN

FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) —  A pursuit throughout Fort Payne ended with a crash and the suspect committing suicide over the weekend.

Around 7:35 p.m. February 9, 2025, a Fort Payne Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 200 block of Glenn Boulevard SW.

When the officer exited his vehicle, the driver sped off, initiating a pursuit.

As the vehicle entered I-59, it struck an uninvolved vehicle and continued north.

The vehicle then exited onto to Greenhill Boulevard NW.

According to the Fort Payne Police Department (FFPD) the chase continued through multiple roads, including County Road 85 and Highway 40.

While attempting to turn onto Highway 11 from Highway 117, the suspect’s vehicle lost control, veered off the road, and struck a metal pole.

Officers located two passengers who reported that the driver was armed and had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver’s identity has not yet been released pending family notification.

Additionally, a Fort Payne Police officer was involved in a separate single-vehicle crash during the pursuit.

The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.