One Killed in Wreck in Decatur Following Police Chase

In recent years, the chasing of a fleeing crime suspect by police has become controversial because of the crashes it can cause.  Many police units will back off a chase rather than risk harm to other motorists.  Unfortunately for a Decatur woman, even though the police did back off,  she was still killed in a crash by the suspect.

A 68-year-old woman died in a crash after her vehicle was hit by a car police were chasing.  Betty Louise Stovall of Decatur was pushed into a utility pole in the crash and died at the scene,

Decatur police were chasing a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Spring Avenue and Cedar Street on May 20 when the accident occurred.  According to police, the driver of the stolen car, Mitchell Dillan Lindsey, ran from the scene, but was caught by police and later charged with murder and first degree robbery.

Police said that Lindsey was arrested following the alleged carjacking and fatal wreck and booked into Morgan County Jail.  Lindsey, 19, was fleeing officers on Saturday in a car stolen during an armed carjacking the night before.

Lindsey had been in Decatur City Jail since his arrest Saturday, but police transferred him to the county jail where he is being held without bail.

Investigators said that officers dropped back after Lindsey turned from Carridale Street onto Danville Road at a high rate of speed.  Another officer picked up the chase, but lost sight of the car. When  Lindsey ran a stop sign at the intersection of Cedar Street and Spring Avenue, he crashed into Stovall’s car, sending the vehicle into a utility pole and killing the woman.

Stovall’s granddaughter, Shalyla Yarbrough,who was raised by her grandmother from birth, said that her grandma was the sweetest person I ever knew and the most important person in my life.  She also said that her grandmother’s death handed sunk in yet, that it still feels like she’s here with her. 

Stovall leaves behind three adult children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

 

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