From The Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA — A Tuscaloosa Police officer has been hospitalized following a high-speed chase ended in a multi-vehicle crash in front of University Mall Wednesday night.
According to the Tuscaloosa Police Department, officers have taken a 17-year-old into custody and are also searching for a possible second suspect in the area of the mall and Midtown Village.
The chase began in the area of 15th Street and 10th Avenue at about 8:25 p.m. when an officer attempted to stop the driver of a white Nissan Juke. Police say the driver led officers on a high-speed chase down McFarland Boulevard and through surrounding neighborhoods before returning to the area of the mall.
Speeds reached up to 100 miles per hour, according to the department.
The officer was injured when the suspect’s vehicle overturned and caused a multi-vehicle collision. He is being treated for minor injuries at DCH Regional Medical Center. One occupant of the Nissan was taken into custody.
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport Police, University of Alabama Police and Alabama State Troopers all assisted in the pursuit.