Leeds Police Chief Challenges Misreporting on Arrest Incident

Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin is disputing claims made by Al (DOT)com regarding a traffic stop that led to the arrest of a woman, asserting that the account provided is not accurate.

In a report by Heather Gunn, it was mentioned that the driver was stopped for traveling just 1 mph over the speed limit on I-20, which Chief Irwin describes as “absurd.” He clarifies that the woman was actually driving over 80 mph and was dangerously swerving, nearly hitting another vehicle.

“I want to apologize for the misinformation that Al Dot Com published, particularly from reporter Heather Gann,” he stated. “Having served in law enforcement in the Birmingham area for years, I am always reachable, as my work and personal contact details are available to all media.” He emphasized that maintaining open lines of communication with other law enforcement is crucial, especially when the media reaches out.

The driver in question, identified as Giovanna Hernandez, was found to have no valid driver’s license and instead provided a Mexican-issued identification. A federal immigration official was contacted and confirmed her illegal status in the U.S., leading to her immediate detention.

Irwin expressed knowledge of community ties to Hernandez, highlighting that the stop was primarily about public safety, not profiling. He mentioned that the incident wasn’t trivial enforcement but rather a serious issue.

On August 5th, at approximately 7:44 AM, an unmarked Leeds Police vehicle observed a Honda sedan exceeding the speed limit of 80 mph on I-20, maneuvering dangerously. A marked unit subsequently pulled the vehicle over.

According to Irwin, the lack of a valid driver’s license further necessitated contacting federal partners in accordance with department policy. He remarked on the unfortunate circumstances of Hernandez’s situation, noting that she had not taken steps to secure legitimate citizenship.

“Many people in the community know her. When she’s sent back, we appreciate any media interest that allows us to inform the public about the realities in Leeds and across Alabama,” he added.

Irwin reiterated the importance of transparency between the police department and the community, asserting they will always provide statements on incidents that affect their operation and public relations.

For any additional details regarding this matter, Irwin advised referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.