Police chase, arrest suspect with stolen SUV, handgun

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Prichard police arrested a suspect in a vehicle they believe was stolen from Mobile after a high-speed chase Saturday, August 18.

Police officials said the chase started near Helen and Thomas St. and ended at Percy and McGee St. when the suspect, Gary Byers, left the vehicle after driving it into the tree line.

Keith Smith, co-owner of Larry’s Body & Paint Shop, said his father’s girlfriend parked the SUV at Bel-Air Mall Saturday afternoon.

“I think she forgot her umbrella, walked back out and within, like, five minutes it was gone,” said Smith.

Smith said his father’s girlfriend returned to an empty parking spot.  A wing window lock mechanism was the only thing the evidence left behind.

“I was surprised to get it back this quick,” said Smith.

 Smith said he posted a photo of his father’s black 1988 Chevy Suburban online.

“I have like 800 friends, and I have some friends that are police officers from Mobile and they put it on theirs (Facebook.) So within 24 hours, it spread all over Mobile County,” said Smith.

Smith said he thinks older model vehicles are more at risk of being stolen.

“Just the older vehicles. They're able to take those because there's no security on them,” said Smith.

The Smith's got their SUV back with some body damage.  They just happen to be experts in auto body repair and owner’s of Larry’s Body & Paint Shop.

“It won’t cost us much. We can probably do it in about a week,” said Smith.

Prichard police arrested Byers Saturday, he's charged with eluding police, possession of a stolen handgun, and receiving a stolen vehicle.

“I think it just sort of stuck out. You don't see these cars riding around like they used to be. It's an ’88. Most of them they've been crushed,” said Smith.

Smith thanked the Prichard Police Department online for recovering his vehicle, meanwhile, Byers remains behind bars.