‘Armed and dangerous’ rape suspect who launched manhunt along I-20 in Irondale still on the run

‘Armed and dangerous’ rape suspect who launched manhunt along I-20 in Irondale still on the run

A man sought in a violent attack and fled from police, launching a massive search in Irondale, remains on the run.

Police on Friday identified the wanted suspect as 21-year-old Navaeh-Ojore Timothy-Carl Payton.

He is charged with first-degree rape in the attack, and third-degree burglary in a break-in that police say happened after he managed to elude teams of law enforcement officers looking for him.

Bond for Payton is set at $1 million on the rape charge, and $15,000 on the burglary charge.

The investigation began Wednesday when Irondale police received a call from a woman who said she was assaulted in the 1800 block of Crestwood Boulevard. She was able to give authorities a description of her assailant and a description of his vehicle.

Investigators, through various resources, identified the suspect as Payton.

Then, about 3 p.m., a patrol officer made a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle on Grants Mill Road the Interstate 20 east entrance ramp. The suspect bailed from the pickup truck and ran into the wooded area just off the interstate.

A massive search was underway Oct. 26, 2022, for an assault suspect who fled from police just off I-20 at the Kilgore Memorial Drive exit. (Carol Robinson)

SWAT teams from Irondale and Birmingham police, a tracking dog from the Trussville Police Department, and Star 1 helicopter aided in the search. The suspect, however, was not found.

At 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, Irondale officers were dispatched to a burglary at a convenience store in the 3300 block of Crestwood Boulevard. Officers arrived and found forced entry into the store.

On Thursday, Irondale investigators obtained the two warrants against Payton. Authorities have been searching for him since Wednesday.

Police say Payton should be considered armed and dangerous.

Payton was arrested earlier year after Homewood police said he shot at another man inside Walmart.

Payton, who was living in Vestavia Hills at the time, was charged with attempted murder, attempting to elude and disorderly conduct in connection with incident.

That incident happened about 12:30 p.m. that Monday at the Lakeshore Parkway store. No one was injured.

The adult male victim, who was from Georgia, was at the store with his family, including two children. He was openly carrying a weapon that was in a holster, which is legal in the state of Alabama. Another man approached the victim and had words with him. As the victim started to walk away, police said, Payton pulled his handgun and fired one shot, police said.

He 5-feet, 10-inches tall, 160-170 pound, with tight corn rows in his hair.

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