Bizarre I-10 chase draws police gun fire, sends man to hospital

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) – A Kubota skid-steer, typically used for construction tasks, became the center of a perilous police chase in Mobile after being stolen on Wednesday morning. Mobile Police spotted the equipment near an intersection in Tillman's Corner and attempted to stop the driver, who had taken the skid-steer without permission.

The situation escalated quickly as the driver tried to ram a police vehicle, resulting in what Deputy Police Chief Melvin Jones described as one of Mobile's most bizarre chases. Ignoring multiple attempts to halt him, the suspect took to Westbound I-10, weaving dangerously through traffic and even driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, creating a hazardous situation for other motorists.

The chase continued until the driver exited at Exit 15 B in Tillman's Corner, near the stolen equipment's original location. There, he allegedly tried to ram other vehicles, prompting officers to fire shots in an effort to stop him. According to initial reports, the officers' gunfire resulted in injuries to the suspect, whose exact condition remains unclear.

First responders were seen administering CPR to the wounded man, although police have yet to release his identity or any information regarding whether he was armed or returned fire during the incident. Witnesses from the machinery company confirmed that the skid-steer had been parked in a nearby lot before its theft.

As the investigation continues, the stolen Kubota remains in police custody as evidence. Authorities are still piecing together the full timeline of events, including the initial attempt by the suspect to strike a civilian, highlighting the bizarre and dangerous nature of this police encounter.