PRICHARD, Ala. — A Prichard police officer was seriously injured and a fleeing suspect was killed early Tuesday when a backup officer’s patrol vehicle struck both men as they struggled in the street, authorities said.
The chase began around 1:30 a.m. when Officer Simeon Beeson tried to pull over James Buford for a traffic violation on Highway 45 near Interstate 65. Buford refused to stop and a pursuit followed into Mobile, ending when his vehicle hit a ditch at the intersection of Butler Street and Carter Avenue.
Buford bailed out and ran north on Butler Street, with Beeson chasing on foot. As the officer caught up and the two struggled in the roadway, backup Officer Jay Wilson’s vehicle struck both of them — it was dark, and police said Wilson did not see them in the road.
Buford was pronounced dead at the scene. Beeson was taken to University Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Investigation closes without charges
Prichard police, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and MPD’s Traffic Division jointly investigated the incident, with MPD handling the traffic-fatality investigation. Officials cautioned that because an officer was involved and a life was lost, they wanted to conduct a thorough review before drawing conclusions.
The sheriff’s office ultimately concluded its investigation into Officer Wilson, determining that no criminal charges would be filed against him.
Prichard police extended sympathy to both families and asked the decedent’s family for patience as investigators worked to bring the case to closure.