Crime
Bessemer Police Arrest Suspect in Random Birmingham Road Rage Shootings
Bessemer, AL – February 13, 2025 – The Bessemer Police Department has arrested a violent suspect following multiple road rage shooting incidents in eastern Birmingham.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Demario Ladell Keith, had been randomly opening fire on motorists while driving a black Nissan Maxima.
The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) began investigating multiple social media reports regarding a suspect firing at vehicles in various locations across eastern Birmingham.
As part of their efforts, detectives were able to identify and locate the suspect’s vehicle.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., BPD detectives spotted the black Nissan Maxima in the parking lot of Walmart in Bessemer.
Recognizing the need for immediate backup, they contacted the Bessemer Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for assistance.
When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect attempted to flee, leading authorities on a short vehicle pursuit before abandoning his car and fleeing on foot.
A large-scale search operation was quickly launched, with multiple law enforcement agencies from Bessemer, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Hoover, and Fairfield collaborating to establish a secure perimeter around the area.
Keith was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities confirm that Keith was armed at the time of his arrest. He now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Multiple counts of drug trafficking
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Felony attempt to elude law enforcement
- Additional drug-related offenses
Bessemer Police urge anyone with additional information related to this case to contact their Criminal Investigations Division at (205) 481-4366 or Bessemer Police at (205) 425-2411. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Bessemer Police tip line at (205) 428-3541.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of Keith’s involvement in the series of road rage shootings, as well as any additional crimes he may have committed prior to his arrest.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.