John “Cal” Stutts, 28, died after a fast-moving confrontation with law enforcement that ended in the parking lot of a Taco Bell at Springville Station in Springville, Alabama. The chain of events began late on September 7, 2022, when Steele police responded to reports of an armed carjacking at the Love’s travel stop near Interstate 59. Officers later located the vehicle and attempted a stop, but the driver refused and a multi-jurisdiction pursuit developed down the interstate.

Authorities say Stutts fired shots from a rifle at officers and deputies during the chase. Spike strips were used; the vehicle ultimately crashed into two parked cars outside the Taco Bell. Sheriff’s officials reported that after the crash Stutts exited still armed, fired again, and pointed the rifle toward law enforcement, prompting deputies and officers to return fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene; no officers were injured. Officials identified him as being from Sheffield, Alabama, and said he was wanted in Georgia. Outside agencies were brought in to review the officer-involved shooting.

If anyone has information about Stutts, his movements that night, or witnessed the pursuit and final confrontation, are you able to share what you saw?