Fort Payne convicted of assault after altercation at local auto repair shop

Royce Eugene Lader

FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) —  A Fort Payne man has been convicted of Assault after an incident at Westmoreland Tires.

On May 6, 2024, Royce Eugene Lader aggressively confronted employees of the business.

He was asked to leave several times before getting into an altercation, and striking two employees.

One of the employees involved suffered permanent and serious injuries.

According to District Attorney Summerford, Lader fled the scene but was later taken into custody by the Fort Payne Police Department.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Lader was convicted of 2nd Degree by a DeKalb County Jury.

Lader is scheduled to be sentenced August 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.