17-year-old arrested in Laurel Drive carjacking, chase ending in explosion

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Thursday,January 10, Mobile police charged 17-year-old Patrick Lorenzo Smith with multiple robberies and assault.

He was arrested and transported to Mobile Metro Jail as an adult.

“We are continuing the investigation because he could still be charged with more crimes,” said Cpl. Chris Levy with the Mobile Police Department.

Police officials said on January 8, officers responded to a report of robbery and theft on Luarel Drive where two vehicles were stolen by three men.

While investigating the incident, authorities said officers located Smith and 25-year-old Leroy McCaskill Junior Anderson in one of the stolen vehicles, driving along Telegraph Road.

A police chase ensued and ended when Anderson lost control of the vehicle and crashed.

“His truck started flipping and went right into that gas station,” described one witness on the scene.

The crash caused an explosion at the gas station in Saraland.

Police arrested Smith, who was a passenger, at the scene on separate charges and placed in Strickland Youth Center while officers continued their investigation.

Investigators said Smith is responsible for a robbery and shooting that occurred in Tri-centennial Park on December 20, 2012.

Smith is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of theft of property, and second-degree assault.

Police said he could be charged with Anderson’s death since it happened during the commission of a felony.

“We're actually working on that right now because it does fit the criteria for that, however, we are presenting the evidence to the district attorney’s office so that decision can be made at a later date,” said Levy.

Police continue to look for a third suspect and the second stolen vehicle.

If you have any information, call the Mobile Police Department (251) 208-7211.