PUBLIC NOTICE: Pell City Police Arrest Suspect in Road Rage Shooting Incident on Highway 231
PELL CITY, AL — A terrifying act of road rage turned violent on the evening of June 25, 2025, when gunfire erupted on Highway 231 North, narrowly missing a child and leaving a man wounded. Thanks to the swift response of multiple law enforcement agencies, the Pell City Police Department has announced the arrest of Ethan Crawford, a 25-year-old resident of Harpersville, Alabama, who is now facing multiple serious felony charges.
A Frightening Encounter on a Familiar Road
The incident began around 9:17 p.m., when Pell City officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting that stemmed from a road rage confrontation. The shooting reportedly occurred approximately half a mile north of the Sonic Drive-In on Highway 231 North, although the victim eventually pulled into the Sonic on Highway 231 South to call for help.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. Emergency medical assistance was immediately provided at the scene, and the man was later transported to a local hospital for further treatment. His injuries, though serious, were not life-threatening.
What makes the situation even more disturbing is that the victim’s 5-year-old son was also in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, strapped into a car seat in the rear. According to investigators, multiple bullets were fired by the suspect into the victim’s vehicle, with several rounds narrowly missing the child. Authorities have emphasized how close this incident came to resulting in a far more devastating outcome.
The suspect’s vehicle fled southbound on Highway 231, disappearing before officers arrived on the scene.
Investigation and Arrest
Following a rapid and thorough investigation, Pell City Police identified Ethan Crawford as the suspect in the shooting. Investigators coordinated with surrounding jurisdictions to track Crawford down. On the morning of June 26, 2025, Crawford was arrested without incident by Pell City Police Investigators, with assistance from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harpersville Police Department.
Crawford has been charged with:
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Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
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Three (3) counts of Shooting Into an Occupied Vehicle
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One (1) count of Assault in the First Degree
He was booked into the St. Clair County Jail, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The Pell City Police Department has issued a public thank you to all agencies that contributed to the swift arrest of Crawford. In a statement, officials praised the collaboration between jurisdictions, which allowed for a quick and safe resolution to a volatile situation.
“This incident could have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” a spokesperson from the department stated. “The reckless and violent actions of one individual put a man and a young child in grave danger. We are incredibly grateful that both survived and that we were able to bring the suspect into custody so quickly.”
The incident has shocked and alarmed the local community, especially given the presence of a child in the vehicle during the shooting. Many residents have expressed relief that the suspect is no longer at large and that no lives were lost.
A Call for Caution and Accountability
This event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly everyday road frustrations can escalate into deadly violence. The Pell City Police Department urges drivers to remain calm and avoid confrontations while on the road, no matter the provocation.
“We understand that tensions can run high,” the department stated, “but no disagreement or moment of frustration is worth risking lives. If you feel threatened or encounter aggressive behavior on the road, call 911 immediately and do not engage.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Crawford will face prosecution in St. Clair County, where each of the charges — especially the attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle — carry significant legal consequences. As of this notice, no court date has been publicly announced.
Further updates will be shared as the case proceeds.
For now, the Pell City Police Department and surrounding law enforcement agencies are being praised for their dedicated service, quick action, and unified response to a chilling and dangerous crime.