A large search is underway for a suspect who fled from Irondale police.

The unidentified suspect is wanted in a violent felony assault that happened earlier Wednesday.

Authorities said they made contact with the suspect who then abandoned his pickup truck just off Interstate 20 at the Kilgore Memorial Drive exit.

He then fled on foot.

The search began about 4 p.m. and was still ongoing as of 8:30 p.m.

Irondale police officers were stationed along I-20 eastbound, and a large perimeter had been set up that included the wooded area off the interstate and some side roads.

SWAT Teams from the Birmingham Police Department and the Irondale Police Department were on the scene, as well as a tracking dog from the Trussville Police Department.

Irondale police Det. Mike Flippo said the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. The suspect is described as a Black male, 5-feet, 10-inches tall, 160 pounds, with tight corn rows in his hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Irondale police immediately at 205-956-5990.