Gurley police officer placed on administrative leave following a pursuit that resulted in the death of a bystander

On Friday night, a two-car accident on Interstate 565 and Jordan Lane took the life of a guy who was not being chased by police.

A spectator dies in a crash in Huntsville after a police chase.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), on July 21, at approximately 11:46 p.m., Matthew Deandre’ Norwood, 22, of Toney, was driving a 2008 Toyota Corolla when he was struck by a 2018 Ford Explorer driven by an on-duty Gurley police officer named Christopher J. Whalen, 31, of New Market who was pursuing another vehicle on an active pursuit.

Norwood was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Huntsville Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Whalen was also hurt, and he was taken to the Huntsville Hospital to get care. He was eagerly chasing after a Nissan Maxima that had nothing to do with the accident.

Gurley Mayor Stan Simpson delivered the following statement in response to the accident:

”On behalf of the Town of Gurley I want to express our condolences to the family of Matthew Norwood who died in a tragic accident on Friday evening. A Gurley Police Department vehicle unfortunately collided with a vehicle driven by Mr. Norwood on Jordan Lane in Huntsville while officers from several jurisdictions, including Officer Chris Whalen of the Gurley Police Department, were involved in the pursuit of the driver of another vehicle. Officer Whalen suffered non-life threatening injuries in the accident and has been released from the hospital.”

”The automobile accident is being investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Gurley Police Chief J.C. Martin is heading up an internal investigation by the Gurley Police Department regarding Officer Whalen’s involvement in the police pursuit. Officer Whalen has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. Any other information will be provided upon completion of the internal investigation.”

ALEA Highway Patrol Division troopers are still investigating.