Shelby County, AL – A high-speed police pursuit ended in tragedy Saturday night, claiming the lives of two young men on Interstate 65. The victims were identified as 21-year-old Elias Trejo Andino, a suspect being pursued by law enforcement, and 22-year-old Tyrek Howard, an innocent motorist uninvolved in the chase.
The crash occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on the northbound lanes near the Cahaba Valley Road exit (mile marker 243). Andino’s vehicle collided with Howard’s car during the pursuit, leading to a fatal impact. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The chase involved multiple agencies, including the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) state troopers. Authorities have not disclosed what prompted the pursuit.
After the crash, another suspect continued fleeing north, eventually crashing into a guardrail, a privacy fence, and an air conditioning unit in a Calera neighborhood. The suspect abandoned the vehicle and attempted to evade capture on foot but was apprehended about half a mile away by Calera police.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche reported that the suspect refused medical treatment and was handed over to Alabaster police. The incident has reignited discussions about the risks associated with police pursuits. Chief Hyche emphasized the dangers, stating, “When a suspect chooses to flee the police, they place themselves, the community, and law enforcement in danger.”
Hyche also highlighted the challenges of balancing public safety with the need to apprehend fleeing suspects. “Some cities have adopted lenient policies, but those often lead to increased victimization of citizens and business owners,” he added.
The State Bureau of Investigation, a division of ALEA, is leading the inquiry into the crash and the events preceding it. The northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence. The deaths of Andino and Howard have left the community mourning. Howard’s death, in particular, highlights the devastating impact such incidents can have on innocent lives.
As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies may review pursuit protocols to better balance public safety with the need to apprehend suspects. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the complexities and consequences of high-speed chases. The Shelby County community is left grieving the loss of two young lives while reflecting on the difficult decisions faced by law enforcement during such incidents.