By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

A motorcyclist suspected of stealing the motorcycle he rode was airlifted to UAB Hospital after crashing his vehicle at high speed into the Lake Mitchell bridge in an abrupt, unfortunate conclusion to a Clanton Police chase on the evening of Nov. 5.

The man’s current condition is unknown.

Clanton Police Chief Keith Maddox described the rider as a 33-year-old male from Mississippi, whose name has not been released due to unknown status of family member notification.

Maddox said the motorcycle was totaled upon impact and is confirmed to be stolen property from Limestone County in Alabama.

A pistol stolen from Mississippi was also found on the suspect’s person.

Maddox said CPD received a call around 6:30 p.m. of a motorcycle speeding toward town from Highway 22. An officer located a motorcycle driving at regular speed toward town, and began following the vehicle when he noticed no tag.

“Before he could even initiate a stop, it just took off at a high rate of speed,” Maddox said, explaining the chase commenced near Fred’s along First Street and Highway 145.

Maddox said the motorcyclist’s speed increased along Lake Mitchell Road as he put more and more distance between himself and the officer.

“He struck the bridge there, and the officer couldn’t even see him, he was so far ahead of the officer,” Maddox said, explaining that the officer drove up on the accident scene, hitting some debris from the bridge, and immediately called for medical assistance for the rider.

“He was hurt pretty bad,” Maddox said.

The suspect was airlifted allegedly from the Chevron service station located off Interstate 65 in Clanton.

No charges have yet been made, as the suspect’s condition remains unknown and his release uncertain, Maddox said.