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Robyn Naftel Herring

Age : 42

Gender : Female

Race : White

Date : 04/26/2021

Location : Lakeshore Parkway near the Interstate 65 interchange

City : Homewood

County : Jefferson

State : Alabama

Agency : Vestavia Hills Police Department; Homewood Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Bystander killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

REASON FOR CHASE: At approximately 6:35 p.m., a Vestavia Hills Police Department officer stopped a Nissan Juke for speeding on northbound Interstate 65 near Alford Avenue. Police said the officer collected the driver's license, registration and proof of insurance and returned toward the patrol vehicle to conduct a wanted-person check. The driver then drove away and the officer pursued.
NARRATIVE:
On 04/26/2021, 42-year-old Robyn Naftel Herring of Homewood was killed when a Nissan Juke fleeing a Vestavia Hills Police Department officer crashed into the Jeep Wrangler in which she was riding on Lakeshore Parkway near Interstate 65 in Homewood, Alabama.
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Herring was riding in the front passenger seat of the Jeep. Her boyfriend was driving, and her two young daughters were riding in the back seat. They were traveling near Herring's home when the police pursuit reached Lakeshore Parkway.
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The fatal sequence began at approximately 6:35 p.m. when a Vestavia Hills police officer stopped a Nissan Juke for speeding on northbound Interstate 65 near Alford Avenue. According to police, the officer obtained the driver's license, registration and insurance information and walked back toward the patrol vehicle to conduct a wanted-person check. The driver then drove away and the officer pursued.
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The pursuit continued north on Interstate 65 toward the Lakeshore Parkway exit. After approximately a quarter-mile, the fleeing vehicle exited toward Lakeshore Parkway, crossed a median, became airborne and crashed into the Jeep carrying Herring and her family.
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Herring sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Her boyfriend and two daughters survived. The Vestavia Hills officer stopped at the wreck, rendered first aid and requested emergency medical assistance.
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The fleeing driver got out of the wrecked Nissan and ran into nearby woods. Police searched the surrounding area, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force subsequently located him at an apartment complex in Tuscaloosa. He surrendered on 04/29/2021 after approximately 30 minutes of negotiations.
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Herring was a nurse practitioner at UAB and had worked in nursing for approximately 20 years. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from UAB and worked in gastrointestinal surgery. She was the mother of two daughters, Anna and Mary.
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Friends described Herring as compassionate, energetic and deeply involved with her family and community. She enjoyed running, hiking, biking, camping and spending time outdoors. Friends told WBRC that Herring routinely made time for people who were struggling and remembered her as a source of support and encouragement.
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Herring's obituary described her as a devoted mother whose daughters were her greatest joy. She was also remembered for her nursing career, friendships, love of the outdoors and commitment to helping others.
DISPOSITION:
Jordan Markice Ricks was indicted on reckless-murder and leaving-the-scene charges arising from the crash that killed Herring. He subsequently pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
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The involved Vestavia Hills Police Department officer was not criminally charged for initiating the pursuit.
OFFICER BACKGROUND:
The involved Vestavia Hills Police Department officer has not been publicly identified.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wbrc.com/2021/04/27/police-continue-looking-suspect-involved-homewood-hit-run-crash/
https://www.wvtm13.com/article/driver-fleeing-vestavia-hills-police-causes-fatal-car-crash-on-lakeshore-parkway/36257687
https://thehomewoodstar.com/news/suspect-in-monday%27s-deadly-crash-captured-by-tuscaloosa-pd429/
https://www.wbrc.com/2021/04/30/friends-remember-robyn-herring-light-community/
https://www.wvtm13.com/article/suspect-indicted-for-deadly-hit-and-run-in-homewood-that-killed-a-uab-nurse-mother/37803970
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/homewood-al/robyn-herring-10173674