Police Search for SUV After Hit-and-Run Leaves Stephen “Peanut” Michael Injured
TUSCUMBIA, Alabama — The quiet evening rhythm of Avalon Avenue was shattered Thursday when a hit-and-run crash near Shoals Pharmacy, close to 15th Street, left Stephen Michael, known lovingly throughout the Shoals community as “Peanut,” critically injured. Authorities are now urgently searching for a maroon SUV believed to be responsible for the incident, which has shaken the small town and sparked an outpouring of concern and prayers for the beloved local man.
The collision occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m., when Stephen Michael was struck while crossing the roadway near the pharmacy parking lot. According to Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan, witnesses reported seeing a maroon-colored SUV, possibly a mid-2000s model Ford Explorer or GMC Envoy, speeding away from the scene without stopping.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes to find Michael lying in the roadway with severe injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Helen Keller Hospital, before being airlifted to Huntsville Hospital due to the seriousness of his condition. Officials have since confirmed that he remains in critical but stable condition, fighting for his life as medical teams continue their efforts.
Chief Logan spoke to reporters late Thursday night, emphasizing the urgency of locating the driver.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen a maroon SUV in the Avalon Avenue or 15th Street area around 7 p.m. to contact us immediately,” he said. “This was a devastating incident, and we are determined to find the person responsible.”
Authorities have been reviewing security footage from nearby businesses, including Shoals Pharmacy, Dollar General, and a nearby gas station, hoping to capture a clear image of the suspect vehicle. Investigators believe the SUV may have front-end damage, including a broken headlight or cracked windshield, sustained during the collision.
Stephen Michael, 41, is well-known throughout Tuscumbia and the greater Shoals region by his nickname “Peanut.” Friends describe him as a kind, generous soul who never met a stranger. He grew up in Colbert County, attended Deshler High School, and spent much of his life working various jobs around the community — from helping at local events to lending a hand at car washes and community fundraisers.
“Everyone in Tuscumbia knows Peanut,” said Linda Cole, a longtime family friend. “He’s always smiling, always waving, always willing to help. You can’t walk through town without someone mentioning him.”
Michael’s family gathered at the hospital late Thursday night, holding vigil and asking for prayers. His sister, Jennifer Michael, shared a brief statement:
“Stephen’s heart is big, and our family is clinging to faith that he’ll pull through. Whoever did this, please come forward. We just want justice — and peace.”
The Tuscumbia Police Department, along with Colbert County Sheriff’s Office, has increased patrols in the surrounding area and is working with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to distribute alerts about the suspect vehicle. Police have encouraged local body shops and auto repair businesses to watch for any maroon SUV brought in for sudden front-end repairs.
The community response has been overwhelming. Within hours of the crash, social media lit up with posts offering prayers and updates. A GoFundMe page organized by friends to assist with medical expenses has already begun circulating. Dozens of community members have stopped by the pharmacy area, leaving candles and handwritten notes reading “Pray for Peanut” and “Tuscumbia Strong.”
The crash has once again raised concerns about pedestrian safety along Avalon Avenue, a busy stretch that connects several key businesses and sees heavy evening traffic. Residents are calling on city officials to consider additional lighting, crosswalks, or signage to help prevent further tragedies.
As investigators continue to follow leads, Chief Logan remains hopeful that the driver will soon be found.
“Someone knows something,” he said. “We won’t stop until we find out who did this. Mr. Michael deserves that — and so does this community.”
For now, the people of Tuscumbia rally together, united in prayer and determination, hoping for Stephen “Peanut” Michael’s full recovery and for justice to be served.
Anyone with information about the maroon SUV or the driver is urged to contact Tuscumbia Police Department at (256) 383-3121 or Shoals Area CrimeStoppers at (256) 386-8685.
Tags:
#StephenMichael #Peanut #TuscumbiaAlabama #HitAndRun #JeffersonCounty #CommunityMourns #AvalonAvenue #PoliceSearch #ShoalsCommunity
