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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Hueytown police chief: Officer not at fault in fatal chase (update)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A Hueytown police officer chasing a fleeing burglary suspect killed the Birmingham man after the man wrecked, ran into an Ensley alley and fell before the pursuing officer struck him with his patrol car, police said.
Ronald Anderson, 34, was pronounced dead on the scene after he was hit in the 2700 block of Pike Road Alley.
The officer, whom Hueytown Police chief Chuck Hagler declined to identify, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Birmingham Police Department.
"After looking at it last night and this morning, there were no apparent violations of policy or procedure," Hagler said about the officer's actions.
The patrol officer spotted Anderson during a burglary in progress, sparking a car chase, Hagler said. The pursuit went down 19th Street in Bessemer, along Interstate 20/59 and on to 20th Street in Ensley, according to a release by Birmingham Police.
Anderson's car hit a fire hydrant at 17th Street and Barbour Avenue, the Birmingham police release said. He ran down the sidewalk as the officer drove down the street, Hagler said.
"He turned into the alley and fell, best as we can tell," Hagler said. "The officer didn't see the suspect."
Anderson had numerous prior convictions, and had two pending warrants, Hagler said.
"The suspect made the decision to commit a crime," Hagler said. "He made the decision to flee from the officer. And unfortunately, we were placed in the position of reacting to his decision."

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