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Ismael Tariq Smith
MORGAN COUNTY-The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department released a statement concerning an alleged robbery resulting in a pursuit that ended in Flint Creek with one fatality and one suspect in custody:
“On March 27, 2023 at approximately 12:53 p.m., Morgan County 911 received a report regarding a robbery near Casa Santiago, located at 2812 Spring Ave. SW.
A description of the vehicle and the robbery suspects was given. Officers with the Decatur Police Department’s Patrol Division located the described vehicle and attempted a stop, but the vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued down Hwy 31 South.
During the pursuit, the driver of the vehicle lost control, crossed over the median, and eventually ran into Flint Creek near Bowles Bridge Rd.
The vehicle submerged and the occupants left the vehicle. One occupant swam across the creek to the shore and was detained. The second occupant was last seen struggling to stay afloat downstream. Officers attempted to reach the individual, but were unable to do so as the individual went under.
Members of the Morgan County Rescue Squad and the Decatur Police Department are continuing to search for the individual. ALEA is conducting the wreck investigation.
UPDATE: As a result of the investigation, Ismael Tariq Smith, 21, of Huntsville, has been charged with one count of Capital Murder. He was booked into the Morgan County Jail last night with no bond, set by a Morgan County Circuit Judge.
This morning (March 28), ALEA Marine Police have resumed their search for the missing occupant of the vehicle. Please avoid the area of Flint Creek east of the Bowles Bridge boat launch as units continue to search the area. The Decatur Police Department will provide more information as it becomes available.
“The defendant is accused of the above crimes and should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
