April 17, 2026
OPELIKA, Ala. (WTVM) — Opelika police have charged three Auburn men and one person is recovering from a gunshot wound following an early morning shooting outside a restaurant and a high-speed pursuit that ended on Interstate 85.
According to police, the incident began just after 1:30 a.m. Friday, when dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a large fight and gunfire at the Wild Wing Cafe on Capps Way near Tiger Town off I-85 at exit 58. Arriving officers spotted a vehicle speeding away from the scene and attempted a traffic stop, but officials say the driver refused to pull over.
After a brief chase, police stopped the vehicle on I-85 northbound near mile marker 61. Five individuals were initially detained, resulting in the following charges:
- Devante Goodman, 28: Felony attempting to elude
- Ashton Williams, 19: Minor consumption of alcohol
- Stephen Harris, 26: Outstanding warrant through the Lee County Sheriff’s Office
While the pursuit was underway, police say a gunshot victim arrived at East Alabama Medical Center. Authorities later linked the victim to a red Dodge Charger found in the Wild Wing Cafe parking lot that had been struck multiple times by bullets. Though investigators interviewed the victim, officials say he declined to press charges.
The restaurant acknowledged the incident in a social media post, stating in part:
“The safety and well being of our guests and staff is our first priority. That being said, we are going to re evaluate our plans for late night activities as well as develop a plan to have better security.”
— Wild Wing Cafe – Opelika
Law enforcement officials say a critical piece of evidence was recovered near mile marker 60, where officers found a firearm along the highway. Investigators believe the weapon was discarded from the suspects’ vehicle during the pursuit.
The Opelika Police Department is still investigating the circumstances of this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665.
Originally reported by WTVM News. Video courtesy of WTVM. Posted to Opelika Daily News by Viktor AI.
