ALEA Releases Statement on Monday’s Pursuit-Wrecks
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
January 8, 2026
DAPHNE, Ala. A pursuit involving Troopers assigned to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2026.
An ALEA Trooper observed a 2024 Chevrolet Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) failing to maintain its lane of travel on Interstate 10 near the 44-mile marker in Baldwin County. The ALEA Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however, the driver refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued on Interstate 10 and eventually onto Alabama 181.
While on Alabama 181, a multi-vehicle crash occurred when the SUV collided head on with a 2019 Toyota Rav4 driven by Jennifer L. Biehl, 47, of Daphne.
After the initial collision, the Rav4 then struck a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Billy R. Johnson, 61, of Bay Minette. After colliding with the Rav4, the SUV then struck an unoccupied ALEA patrol vehicle and then struck a 2016 Ford F-150 driven by Justin L. Johnson, 39, of Spanish Fort.
The SUV left the scene of the initial multi-vehicle crash on Alabama 181, and the pursuit continued onto Interstate 10 where the SUV then collided head-on with a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by James N. Vitier, 21, of Umatilla, Fla. After that collision, the SUV left the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became engulfed in flames. The crash occurred on Interstate 10 near exit 38, in Baldwin County.
The driver of the Chevrolet SUV was identified as Ruben L. Costa, 42, of Niceville, Fla. Costa was injured and transported to USA Hospital in Mobile for treatment.
Biehl, the driver of the 2019 Toyota Rav4, was injured and transported to Thomas Hospital Emergency – Malbis in Daphne for treatment.
Billy Johnson and Lula Johnson, 63, of Bay Minette, who was a passenger of the Equinox, was transported to Thomas Hospital Emergency – Malbis in Daphne for treatment.
Justin Johnson, the driver of the 2016 Ford F-150, was not injured in the crash.
Vitier, the driver of the 2020 Ford F-150, was injured and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla. for treatment.
Johann Ellington, 21, of Altamonte Springs, Fla., who was a passenger in the 2020 Ford F-150, was injured and transported to Thomas Hospital Emergency – Malbis in Daphne for treatment.
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Costa was arrested and transported to the Baldwin County Jail. Costa has been charged with Attempting to Elude, First-Degree DUI Assault, and three counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Costa also was issued numerous traffic citations.
ALEA Troopers continue to investigate.
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