Chase suspect had history of violence

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - FOX10 News has learned more about the suspect who died after being involved in a high speed chase with an Alabama State Trooper early Wednesday morning. Mobile police say Melvin Allen, Jr. has a history with their department.

Officials said 26-year-old Allen, Jr. was in a stolen truck from Prichard, when he led troopers on a wild chase. It wasn't the first time Allen was involved in a similar case.

Court records show on January 12, 2003, Allen was arrested on charges including attempting to elude police, criminal mischief, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless endangerment, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.

Authorities said on that day, an officer spotted a vehicle with no license plate near McVay Drive and Navco Road. That vehicle was stolen from Prichard as well. When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, the suspect took off, and a chase began.

Reports said Allen was driving fast, weaving in and out of oncoming traffic, and that he intentionally struck an officer's patrol car. When he finally stopped at Virginia and Conception Streets, reports said Allen fought with officers and tried to resist arrest. This was an incident very similar to the story we reported Wednesday. After the latest incident, Allen died.

FOX10 tried to contact Allen's mother Thursday, but we were told she was too distraught to comment. Officials with The Alabama Bureau of Investigation are looking into how the chase ended in death.

Alabama State Troopers said after the chase, Allen and a trooper were involved in a struggle. There is an internal investigation and autopsy results are pending.