Leeds Police arrest woman for interfering with an arrest during a traffic stop of an illegal immigrant

LEEDS, Ala. - A routine traffic stop in Leeds resulted in two arrests after officers discovered methamphetamine, a stolen firearm, and what they described as interference with the investigation, according to a statement from the Leeds Police Department.

The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, in the 7300 block of President Street, where officers pulled over a vehicle and made contact with a man later identified as Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41, of Birmingham. Police say Martinez was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a stolen handgun. Officers also reported that Martinez is unlawfully present in the United States.

While officers were conducting the stop, Mary Lisa Everling, 61, of Leeds, allegedly drove up to the scene, blocked the roadway with her vehicle, repeatedly sounded her horn, and refused to comply with officers' commands. Police say her actions impeded the investigation, leading to her arrest on a charge of Obstructing Governmental Operations.

The Leeds Police said in a statement on Facebook, "A public service announcement that if we are on a traffic stop and if you interfere with the lawful traffic stop or arrest of someone regardless if they are an illegal alien, where the suspect is in possession of methamphetamines, a stolen firearm and drug paraphernalia you will be arrested!

On 01/14/2026, Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 7300 Block of President Street. During the traffic stop a person who was later identified as Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41 years of age, of Birmingham, AL, was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and a stolen handgun. It was also discovered that Martinez is unlawfully present in the United States. Mary Lisa Everling, 61 years of age, of Leeds, AL, approached the traffic stop in her vehicle, blocked the roadway, sounded the vehicle's horn numerous times, impeded the investigation, and refused to comply with lawful orders. Everling was subsequentially arrested for Obstructing Governmental Operations.

Jacob Garcia Martinez was taken into custody without further incident and charged with the following:

Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm, Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree, Obstructing Justice Using a False ID, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He is currently incarcerated in the Jefferson County Jail with a total bond of $55,000. Upon Martinez's release, he will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's custody."

Martinez was taken into custody without further incident and faces multiple charges, including:

- Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm

- Receiving Stolen Property, 2nd Degree

- Obstructing Justice Using a False ID

- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

- Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $55,000 bond. According to police, Martinez will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement upon his release.