Bessemer, AL : Traffic stop Wednesday led to a gas pump crash and fire, and the suspect still on the run on October 8th 2014

A traffic stop in Bessemer Wednesday led to a gas pump crash and fire, and the suspect still on the run. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reports deputies tried to stop a white Ford Explorer for a traffic violation at 15th Street and 18th Avenue North in Bessemer about 4:00 p.m. The SUV stopped at first, then sped away. Authorities soon learned the vehicle was stolen out of Hoover, and a pursuit began. During the chase, the suspect tried to cut through a convenience store parking lot at 19th Street and 21st Avenue North. As the driver went through the parking lot, the suspect lost control of the SUV and struck a gas pump. The gas pump caught fire and the vehicle was damaged and stopped. The suspect got out, and began to run away, and is still on the run, as of 5:25 p.m. The suspect was last seen wearing a black shirt and dark shorts. The Bessemer Fire Department extinguished the gas pump fire and there was no damage to the store building. A handgun was found inside the SUV. Source : Police chase leads to gas pump crash and fire in Bessemer