Arson Suspect Arrested
September 2, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 1, 2025
Homewood Police Department News Release
Arson Suspect Arrested
On August 22nd, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, Homewood Police and Fire Departments responded to Walmart, located at 209 Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood, on a fire call. It was determined that a shopping cart full of items was deliberately set on fire inside the store, forcing the store to evacuate. The store was closed for the remainder of the day, and Walmart reported over $130,000 in damage due to the fire. Homewood Police Department detectives began an arson investigation.
During the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Mercutio Terrell Southall, age 40, of Birmingham. Southall is a known Black Lives Matter activist who was previously arrested and plead guilty to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest during a demonstration in downtown Homewood in 2015. He was also arrested and convicted of possessing a firearm at a demonstration in Montgomery County in 2016.
Verified evidence shows Southall attending the Black Lives Matter mass protest at the Homewood Soccer Park at approximately 11:35 AM on August 22nd. Southall is seen actively engaging and conversing with protesters at the Soccer Park. Southall then leaves the Soccer Park and travels to Walmart on Lakeshore Parkway, where he fills up a shopping cart full of rags, blankets, charcoal bags, small engine fuel, and paint thinner. Southall then pre-positions the shopping cart in a clothing aisle and returns to the mass protest at the Homewood Soccer Park. When the large group leaves the Soccer Park to go to downtown Homewood, Southall is seen driving back to Walmart on Lakeshore Parkway, where he facilitates the ignition of the fire inside the store, causing a mass evacuation.
After Southall was identified by Homewood Police detectives, he was arrested and charged with Arson – 1st Degree and Criminal Mischief – 1st Degree. Southall was transferred to the Jefferson County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond for the Arson – 1st Degree charge due to Aniah’s Law. The Homewood Police Department is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms on pursuing federal arson charges. The investigation is still ongoing, with detectives considering pursuing charges on additional participants in the future.
Crime Report for the Week of August 24, 2026 08/18/26 Stolen Vehicle - An unlocked vehicle with the keys inside was stolen from the 200 block of Edgeview Drive. 08/19/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 200 block of Chastaine Circle and cash and credit cards were stolen. 08/19/26 Stolen Vehicle - A vehicle was stolen from the 200 block of Distribution Drive. 08/19/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 500 block of Norfolk Lane and electronics were stolen.
Crime Report for the Week of August 17, 2026 08/11/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 500 block of Devon Drive and personal items were taken. 08/13/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 200 block of Oxmoor Road and a wallet was stolen. 08/14/26 Narcotics Arrest - Officers investigated a suspicious person in the 200 block of Summit Pkwy. The subject was in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. 08/16/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of Oxmoor Road and the driver was arrested for DUI.
Crime Report for the Week of August 10, 2026 08/03/26 Narcotics Arrest - Officers investigated a suspicious person in the 100 block of Vulcan Road. The subject was in possession of cocaine and was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. 08/04/26 Vehicle Theft - A vehicle was stolen from the 2200 block of Lakeshore Drive. 08/05/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 200 block of Lakeshore Pkwy and a handgun was stolen. 08/05/26 Narcotics Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of Oxmoor Road. The driver was in possession of marijuana and was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. 08/06/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 900 block of Valley Ave and the driver was arrested for DUI. 08/07/26 Narcotics Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 400 block of Greensprings Hwy. The driver was in possession of fentanyl and was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. 08/07/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 2800 block of Central Avenue and the driver was arrested for DUI. 08/08/26 Narcotics Arrest - Officers investigated a suspicious person in the 1800 block of Rosedale Drive. The subject was in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.
August 10, 2026 The Homewood Police Department took home the win Friday night in the National Night Out Battle of the Badges softball game, defeating our friends over at the Fire Department. That's the second series win of the year for HPD over HFD! A special congratulations to #14 Officer Teter who, before the game, stepped up to the plate and claimed the Home Run Derby title!  Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support National Night Out. These events are what make our community strong - neighbors, first responders, and good times all around!
Crime Report for the Week of August 3, 2026 07/29/26 Stolen Vehicle Arrest - A vehicle was stopped in the 200 block of Lakeshore Pkwy. The vehicle was confirmed to be stolen and the drover was arrested for Receiving Stolen Property. 07/30/26 Narcotics Arrest - Officers responded to a suspicions person call in the 400 block of Greensprings Hwy. The subject was in possession of fentanyl and was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. 08/01/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 2000 block of Medical Center Drive and a pistol was stolen.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2026 A Craftsman riding lawnmower was found this morning in the creek near the intersection of Broadway and Saulter Road. It was recovered and turned in to the Homewood Police Department as found property. If this lawn mower belongs to you, please call the Homewood PD Property Room at 205-332-6226. Proof of ownership will be required for release.
