Road Rage Horror in Pell City: Man Shot, Child Escapes Injury; Suspect Arrested
According to the Pell City Police Department, the incident unfolded shortly after 8:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 231, just half a mile from the Sonic Drive-In. Eyewitnesses reported a tense altercation between two vehicles that appeared to escalate quickly into gunfire. Multiple 911 calls flooded dispatch as drivers and bystanders heard the shots and witnessed one vehicle veer off the road.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found a man in his early 30s suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. He was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. His injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening. A child, believed to be no older than five, was also in the vehicle but miraculously unharmed.
“This could have been a devastating tragedy,” said Pell City Police Chief Paul Irwin. “To have a child sitting in the backseat of a car that’s being fired upon in a fit of road rage is unacceptable and absolutely horrifying. We are incredibly fortunate that no lives were lost.”
Investigators quickly began gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including the Sonic Drive-In and a gas station along the route, helped identify the suspect’s vehicle — a silver Dodge Charger with distinctive markings. Just hours later, officers located Crawford at a residence in Harpersville and took him into custody without incident.
Crawford has been charged with attempted murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and endangering the welfare of a child. He is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail, where he awaits a bond hearing.
Authorities say the initial conflict may have begun several miles up the highway, with both drivers reportedly engaging in aggressive behavior. However, it was Crawford who allegedly escalated the situation by brandishing a firearm and firing multiple rounds at the victim’s car.
“This was a reckless and completely preventable act,” Chief Irwin continued. “We are urging everyone to stay calm on the road. No disagreement or moment of frustration is worth endangering lives — especially when children are involved.”
News of the incident has sparked concern and outrage throughout Pell City and surrounding communities. Local residents say the highway is typically busy during evening hours, particularly near the fast-food establishments and retail stores along the route.
“I drive through there every night with my two kids in the car,” said local mother Tanya Williams. “It’s terrifying to think that someone could just open fire like that. I hope this man faces the maximum penalty for what he did.”
As the investigation continues, police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has dashcam footage from the area between 8:15 and 8:45 p.m. Wednesday night to contact Pell City Police. Authorities are also working to determine if Crawford has a prior criminal history or any other outstanding warrants.
In the meantime, the injured driver continues to recover and is expected to make a full physical recovery. The emotional toll, however, particularly for the child who was in the backseat during the shooting, may linger for far longer.
Community members are calling for increased patrols along U.S. Highway 231 and for greater awareness around the dangers of road rage.
“This kind of violence has no place in our town,” said Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt in a statement Thursday morning. “We are committed to supporting our law enforcement as they seek justice, and we’ll continue working to ensure Pell City is a safe place for all of our residents.”
As Crawford’s case proceeds through the legal system, many in Pell City hope the harrowing experience serves as a wake-up call about the real consequences of unchecked anger behind the wheel