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.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.