SPD: Suspect jumps in bay during chase

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - It was a wild chase in Baldwin County on Sunday as a suspect's car caught fire before he jumped into Mobile Bay. The whole incident only lasted about 30 minutes, but officers said a lot happened in that time.

Summerdale acting Chief Trent Dennis said it all started by the Baldwin EMC building on Highway 59 when Summerdale officer noticed a speeding car. Dennis said the officer turned on his lights, and the car took off.

"Simultaneously, our dispatch had a call from Gulf Shores PD, looking for a stolen vehicle that matched that tag," said Dennis.

The car had been stolen from Papa Roca’s Restaurant in Gulf Shores from a family on vacation.

At the same time, dispatch got a call the driver, 22-year-old Charles Love, was a suspect in a pharmacy burglary in Foley.

Dennis said Love just got out of prison for burglary.

Before getting onto I-10, police said the suspect tried to go off-road near a gas station.

"When the officer came in behind him, he attempted a pit maneuver on him. But when they went in the ditch, the tire of the Jeep, it was a Jeep Commander, literally came over the push bumper of the officer's car," said Dennis.

The officer’s car has severe damage to the front end, so much so he had to pull out of the chase.

The suspect followed by several agencies got on I-10. Dennis said he pushed speeds around 120 mph at one point, blowing a front tire.

"He put the public at great risk," said Dennis.

Once on I-10, police said Love got off on the Battleship Park exit side, swiping a civilian vehicle on the way.

Police could not have predicted what happened next.

"The car caught on fire, and he exited his vehicle, ran, and jumped in Mobile Bay," said Dennis.

Alabama Marine Police were on the water and arrested Love. Police believe he was intoxicated.

Love is charged with receiving stolen property, attempting to elude police, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

No charges from Gulf Shores or Foley have been filed.