Demopolis Times staff report

What started out as an armed robbery at the ABC Liquor Store on Hwy 80 in Demopolis, ended as an accident and foot race outside of Selma on Hwy 80.

About 6 p.m., an armed suspect entered and robbed the ABC retail and wholesale store on Hwy 80. The suspect, identified as a black male, ran from the store and raced away from the robbery scene in a stolen van with Pascagoula, Mississippi plates. Officers responding to the armed robbery call were given a general description of the getaway vehicle and a partial plate number.

Multiple Demopolis police officers began a pursuit of the suspect down Hwy 80 toward Uniontown.

The high-speed pursuit ended on Hwy 80 outside of Uniontown when the suspect’s vehicle crashed. The suspect then fled on foot away from the accident and pursuing police offers.

Police from Demopolis, Selma and other departments were still searching for the suspect at press time.

The store is operated by the ABC Board. The ABC Board controls alcoholic beverages through distribution, licensing and enforcement. The Board also operates a chain of retail stores selling the majority of liquor purchased in Alabama.