Hoover Police Department
Mark Roland Ritchie
Police have charged a Hoover man with attempted murder after he reportedly hit a pedestrian on purpose on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old pedestrian was transported to UAB Hospital and treated for a broken clavicle. He has since been released, according to police.
“We’re very fortunate the victim was able to avoid more serious injuries,” said Capt. Gregg Rector. “We don’t know what provoked this suspect but he was clearly agitated and under the influence of alcohol.”
Police arrested Mark Roland Ritchie, 59, and obtained arrest warrants on Friday. Ritchie was charged with attempted murder and DUI, according to police, and his bond was set at $31,000.
Police responded to a report about a pedestrian who had been hit by a car around 4 p.m. Wednesday. They went to The Place at Galleria Apartments, where the suspect had crashed a 1995 Chevrolet Corvette into a brick sign at the apartment entrance.
The suspect’s face was injured in the crash, and he was treated at UAB Hospital. Following his release, he was transported to Hoover City Jail.
Two male pedestrians told police the Corvette had hit one of them before it crashed into the sign. The victim and his friend were attempting to cross Lorna Road when the suspect pulled up to them and started shouting obscenities, according to police. When he pulled out of the turn lane, he reportedly swiped the victim with his car.
The pedestrians crossed the road to The Place at Galleria Apartments, and the driver made a U-turn, entered the complex and drove his vehicle into the same pedestrian he had swiped. After hitting the victim, the driver hit the brick sign.
Police have surveillance video of the incident, which Rector said shows the suspect’s intentions. The video can be seen below.
“The video evidence discovered by officers will make a huge difference in this case,” Rector said. “It’s accurate and it certainly provides a clear picture of this suspect's intentions.”
