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A Montgomery man who led law enforcement on a chase out of Greenville may be facing charges after the injury and subsequent death of a crash victim.

Ashton T. Ford, 26, led Greenville police on a chase after attempting to rob a Greenville business on May 10. Afterwards, Antonio I. Seales, 51 sustained critical injuries when the 2019 Chrysler 300 he was driving was struck from behind by the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Ford.

Seales died on Tuesday, May 21, presumably from the crash injuries. 

The chase resulted in Ford’s arrest on charges of felony theft of property in the third degree, reckless driving and attempting to elude. According to Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn, Ford could face additional charges because of Seales’ death.

“He definitely could face more charges,” Lovvorn said. “The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is still investigating the extent and some facts about the accident. They will determine what charges Ford will face.”

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on May 10. Greenville police officers responded to a call from a Greenville business in reference to a felony theft in progress. Responders attempted to pull the vehicle over as it was leaving the area, but the driver, later identified as Ford, refused to stop. 

Lovvorn said ALEA assumed command of the case once Ford passed through Hope Hull. At that time, Greenville officers ended their pursuit, giving way to Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division. 

“ALEA took over the case, so [charges] are going to be up to them,” Lovvorn explained.

He continued driving to U.S.Interstate Highway 65 north toward Montgomery and was ultimately stopped when his vehicle crashed into the Chrysler driven by Seales in the 3800 block of Norman Bridge Road.

Ford will face charges in Butler County for felony theft, Lovvorn said. Charges for reckless driving, attempting to elude and others stemming from the crash will likely be handled by the state.

Seales was the Montgomery Police Department’s chaplain. It is not clear if he was on duty at the time of the accident, but ALEA did confirm he was not involved in the accident.

The Montgomery chaplain had worked with the Montgomery department since 2013 and became chaplain in 2021. He was well known for helping to pioneer Operation Good Shepherd, an effort to provide support and encouragement for families of loved ones affected by violence.