Man arrested after high-speed chase, accused of carjacking and theft at Buc-ee's

LEEDS, Ala. — Kujuan Prince Ash, 33, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was arrested following a high-speed chase and a series of thefts in Leeds, Alabama. The incident began on March 14, 2025, when Ash is believed to have forcibly taken possession of an occupied vehicle parked at a gas pump at 6900 Buc-ee's Blvd. The victim managed to escape unharmed.

Chief Irwin stated “I am very proud of the agencies that assisted in taking this person in custody and the response of our officers. It is unfortunate that another agency dropped this person off at Bucees early in the morning without identifying him or charging him with a crime. We are working with the agencies whose officer dropped him off in one of the most populated areas inside the City of Leeds than dealing with this perpetrator who posed a danger to their community. We must all work together to protect the public regardless of jurisdiction."

Leeds Police Officers spotted the stolen vehicle near I-20 and I-59 Southbound and attempted a traffic stop. Ash, however, fled at high speed, prompting a pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Vestavia Hills Police Department, Homewood Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Birmingham Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, and Alabaster Police Department.

The chase ended when Ash lost control of the vehicle and crashed near I-65 and US-31. After a brief foot pursuit, Ash was apprehended without further incident. Initially, Ash provided a false identity, but his true identity was confirmed with assistance from the University of Alabama Police Department.

Investigators believe Ash committed theft inside the Buc-ee's store and attempted to enter two other vehicles in the parking lot. The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has issued several warrants against Ash, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle by force, attempting to elude, theft of property in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, obstructing justice using a false identity, theft of property in the third degree, and attempted unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle.

Ash's bonds total $88,000.