White led APD officers, witnesses on chase in Atmore

A Shelby man was arrested on multiple charges after stealing a woman’s purse and leading local police officers and witnesses on a high-speed chase on Thursday.

Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said Joel Andrew White of Shelby, has been charged with robbery III, theft of property II and assault III.

Brooks said the incident began at Ramey’s Grocery Store on Lindberg Avenue when the APD responded to a robbery complaint.

“Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the victim, and the victim stated a white male (White) grabbed her purse from her person in the parking lot and fled toward a get away car,” Brooks said.

Brooks said that while White was advancing toward the car, a gray Toyota, the victim gave chase and attempted to retrieve the purse from the car as it sped away.

“The victim was thrown to the ground causing injuries to her head, side and arm,” he said. “The violator then fled down South Presley Street and eventually going into Florida.”

Brooks said witnesses at the scene followed behind White.

“After following the violator for several miles in Florida, they lost sight due to the violator speeding and driving dangerously,” he said. “After several minutes past, the witnesses spotted the violator travelling back into Alabama. Atmore Police spotted the suspect vehicle and gave chase.”

Brooks said because the chase was dangerous, it was called off due to public safety concerns.

After a short time, Brooks said the violator then was seen travelling on Highway 31 toward Baldwin County.

“Again, witnesses stated the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed,” Brooks said. “The witness lost sight of the violator’s car again, but later spotted the vehicle parked at a residence off of West Road. Atmore police responded to the residence and immediately set up a perimeter.”

Brooks said officers spotted White fleeing on foot behind the residence and gave chase.

“After a short foot chase, the subject was arrested without further incident,” he said.

Additionally, Brooks said officers learned that the vehicle White used in the chase was stolen out of Shelby County.

Brooks said he would like to thank Austin Eicher and Jake McCall for their assistance in the capture of White.