At the request of the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an investigation into an assault and robbery which occurred on May 18, on Interstate 65 near the 41 mile marker in Baldwin County. ALEA Special Agents identified Mike Thomas, 28, of Stockbridge, Ga., as the suspect.
Prior to the assault and robbery, Thomas was involved in a pursuit on Interstate 65 involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The pursuit began when the Evergreen Police Department attempted to make contact with Thomas in Conecuh County. Officers received information that Thomas was wanted for Murder in Georgia. Officers attempted to stop Thomas; however, he refused, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended once spike strips were deployed just inside Baldwin County on Interstate 65 near the 45 mile marker, ultimately disabling the suspect’s vehicle. Thomas exited his vehicle and then attempted to carjack another vehicle which was stopped in traffic. After an unsuccessful carjacking attempt, Thomas fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.
ALEA’s Aviation Unit, the Alabama Department of Correction’s (ADOC) K-9 Team, the Baldwin County Sheriffs Special Operations Unit, along with multiple law enforcement agencies, all assisted in the manhunt and capture. Eventually, Thomas was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital for a medical evaluation.
Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office.
