MOBILE, Ala. — A man who offered a stranger a ride in downtown Mobile ended up losing his car in a Sunday carjacking, one of several cases Mobile police are still working after a busy final weekend of September. The department’s weekend recap also details two homes struck by gunfire, a woman accused of forcing her way into a home on Seneca Street, a domestic assault involving a glass jar and a shoplifting arrest at a Government Boulevard grocery store.
Police say the carjacking and both shootings into homes remain active investigations, and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. Everyone named in this report has been arrested or charged only; all are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Weekend at a glance
- Friday, Sept. 25, 9:28 a.m.: Domestic incident, 8700 block of Dutchman Woods Drive. One arrest.
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 5:24 p.m.: Occupied home hit by gunfire, 1500 block of Orange Street. No injuries; active investigation.
- Sunday, Sept. 27, 11:55 a.m.: Carjacking, Race Track Lane and Bay Avenue, in the Baltimore neighborhood. Active investigation.
- Sunday, Sept. 27, 4:33 p.m.: Theft, ALDI at 1550 Government Blvd. Two arrests.
- Sunday, Sept. 27, 10:09 p.m.: Domestic incident, 1200 block of Seneca Street. One arrest.
- Monday, Sept. 28, 12:30 a.m.: Occupied home and a vehicle hit by gunfire, 1100 block of Freeman Street. No injuries; active investigation.
A ride that turned into a carjacking
The case drawing the most attention began with what the victim apparently thought was a simple favor. According to Mobile police, a man picked up another man he did not know in the 900 block of Broad Street on Sunday morning, Sept. 27, and gave him a ride.
When the two reached the area of Race Track Lane and Bay Avenue, in the city’s Baltimore neighborhood, the victim got out of the vehicle. The passenger then drove off in it. Officers were called to the scene at 11:55 a.m. and spoke with the owner, who told investigators what had happened.
Police have not released a description of the suspect or the vehicle. The department said the person who took the car could face a first-degree robbery charge. In Alabama, first-degree robbery is a Class A felony, the most serious classification of felony in the state’s criminal code.
‘If something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t’
Mobile Police public affairs manager Blake Brown used the case to remind residents that generosity toward strangers can carry real risks.
“We do remind residents to stay alert, and if something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t,” Brown said. “While it may seem safe to offer someone a ride, it poses safety risks and a lot of unknown.”
Law enforcement agencies commonly offer similar advice for avoiding this type of crime:
- Avoid picking up people you do not know, even if the request seems harmless or urgent.
- If you want to help someone who appears stranded, consider calling a non-emergency police line or a service on their behalf rather than letting them into your vehicle.
- Keep doors locked while driving and stopped, and be aware of your surroundings when getting in and out of your car.
- Do not leave the engine running or keys inside when you step away from the vehicle, even briefly.
- If confronted, your safety comes first. A vehicle can be replaced; call 911 as soon as you are safe and provide as much detail as you can remember.
Anyone with information about Sunday’s carjacking is asked to call Mobile police.
Gunfire strikes homes on Orange Street and Freeman Street
Two separate shootings over the weekend left occupied homes damaged, though no one was reported hurt in either case.
The first came Saturday, Sept. 26, at about 5:24 p.m., when officers were called to the 1500 block of Orange Street for a report of shots fired. They found that a residence with people inside had been struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported.
The second happened early Monday, Sept. 28. At about 12:30 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Freeman Street for another report of shots fired. There, officers found that a home had been hit by gunfire while people were inside, and that a vehicle, which was unoccupied, had also been struck. Again, no injuries were reported.
Police have not said whether the two shootings are connected, and no arrests had been announced in either case. Both remain active investigations.
Under Alabama law, firing into an occupied building or vehicle is a serious felony on its own, even when no one is struck, because of the danger it creates for people inside.
Woman accused of forcing her way into Seneca Street home
Late Sunday, Sept. 27, at about 10:09 p.m., officers were called to the 1200 block of Seneca Street for a domestic incident. They found a man with minor injuries following a fight inside the home.
Investigators said a woman who knew the victim forced her way into the house and hit him in the face. Police arrested Jalayja Davis, 24, and booked her into Mobile County Metro Jail on charges of domestic violence burglary and criminal mischief. Davis was scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday.
Domestic violence charges in Alabama apply when the accused and the alleged victim share a qualifying relationship, such as a current or former dating relationship, marriage, a child in common or a shared household. A criminal mischief charge generally involves damage to property.
Man struck with glass jar while trying to call 911
On Friday, Sept. 25, at about 9:28 a.m., officers responded to the 8700 block of Dutchman Woods Drive for a domestic incident. They found a man with minor injuries, and he was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
According to police, a man known to the victim struck him with a glass jar while trying to take the victim’s phone as he was attempting to call 911. David McFry, 33, was arrested and taken to Metro Jail.
Police did not list the specific charges McFry faces in the weekend recap. Alabama law does make it a separate offense to interfere with a domestic violence emergency call.
Two arrested in Government Boulevard shoplifting case
On Sunday, Sept. 27, at about 4:33 p.m., officers were called to the ALDI store at 1550 Government Blvd. for a theft. Police said two men tried to leave the store with merchandise they had not paid for. David Hall, 69, and Adrian Monroe, 62, were arrested and taken to Metro Jail.
How to report information
Mobile police ask anyone with information about the carjacking or either of the shootings to contact the department. Residents who want to remain anonymous can typically share tips through Mobile County Crime Stoppers. In an emergency, always call 911.
Weekend recaps like this one are released regularly by the Mobile Police Department to give residents a picture of calls across the city. Many cases, including the three still open from this weekend, may see arrests or new details in the days and weeks ahead. This article will be updated if police release more information.
Why these cases matter to neighbors
Several of the weekend’s incidents happened in residential neighborhoods where families were at home. The shootings on Orange Street and Freeman Street both struck houses with people inside, and residents of those blocks may notice an increased police presence as detectives canvass for witnesses, doorbell camera footage and other evidence.
Police across the country increasingly rely on home security video to identify vehicles and suspects in cases like these. Residents in the 1500 block of Orange Street, the 1100 block of Freeman Street and around Race Track Lane and Bay Avenue who have cameras are encouraged to check footage from the relevant times and share anything useful with investigators.
The two domestic cases are also a reminder that help is available for anyone in an unsafe situation at home. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local advocates can help with safety planning, shelter and legal options. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.