Leeds Woman Arrested Blocking Roadway in Illegal Alien Stop

Key Points

• Leeds Police Department conducted a traffic stop on January 14, 2026, in the 7300 block of President Street, Leeds, Alabama.
• Driver Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41, of Birmingham, was found in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen handgun.
• Investigators determined Martinez was unlawfully present in the United States, an illegal alien.
• During the stop, Mary Lisa Everling, 61, of Leeds, drove up, blocked the roadway, sounded her horn repeatedly, impeded the investigation, and refused lawful orders from officers.
• Everling was arrested and charged with obstructing governmental operations.
• Martinez faces charges including certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, receiving stolen property in the second degree, obstructing justice using a false ID, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Martinez is held in Jefferson County Jail with a $55,000 bond and will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody upon release.
• Leeds Police issued a public service announcement on Facebook warning against interfering with lawful traffic stops or arrests, regardless of the suspect’s status or possessions.
• Both Everling and Martinez are considered innocent until proven guilty.​

Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 24, 2026 – A routine traffic stop escalated into dual arrests when a local woman interfered with police operations involving an undocumented immigrant found with drugs and a stolen weapon, prompting a stark warning from authorities.

What Happened During the Traffic Stop?

Officers from the Leeds Police Department initiated a traffic stop on January 14, 2026, in the 7300 block of President Street, as detailed in reports from ABC 3340. The driver was identified as Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41, from Birmingham. According to police statements, Martinez possessed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen handgun during the encounter.

Investigators further established that Martinez was unlawfully in the United States. He was taken into custody without additional incident and booked into Jefferson County Jail on multiple charges.

Who is Mary Lisa Everling and Why Was She Arrested?

While officers investigated Martinez, Mary Lisa Everling, 61, of Leeds, arrived at the scene in her vehicle. As reported by ABC 3340, Everling allegedly blocked the roadway, repeatedly honked her horn, impeded the ongoing investigation, and refused to obey lawful commands from the officers.

She was promptly arrested and charged with obstructing governmental operations. This incident, covered extensively by local outlets, underscores the police’s firm stance on public interference.

What Charges Does Jacob Garcia Martinez Face?

Jacob Garcia Martinez faces serious accusations stemming from the stop. These include certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, second-degree receiving stolen property, obstructing justice using a false identification, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

His total bond is set at $55,000 in Jefferson County Jail. Upon any release, authorities plan to transfer him to ICE custody due to his immigration status.

What Warning Did Leeds Police Issue?

The Leeds Police Department posted a public service announcement on Facebook, stating:

“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.”

As covered by ABC 3340, police emphasised that interference with lawful activity during traffic stops or arrests will lead to enforcement action and potential arrest, irrespective of circumstances. This message aims to deter similar interventions in future operations.

Where Do the Arrests Stand Legally?

Both Mary Lisa Everling and Jacob Garcia Martinez remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, as noted in initial reports from 1819 News. Martinez awaits transfer to ICE, highlighting the intersection of local law enforcement and federal immigration proceedings.

Everling’s charge of obstructing governmental operations will proceed through the courts, with no further details on her release status available at this time.​

How Has the Incident Been Covered by Media?

Multiple outlets have reported on the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage. ABC 3340 detailed the sequence in their article “Leeds Police Issue Warning After Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Arrests,” focusing on the police perspective and public advisory.​

1819 News published

“Leeds woman arrested after blocking roadway during arrest of illegal alien,”

mirroring the key facts from police releases. Social media posts from Leeds Police and related pages, including Facebook updates, reiterated the warning and incident specifics.

No statements from Everling or Martinez have been publicly attributed in available sources, maintaining journalistic neutrality.​

Why Did Police Emphasise Non-Interference?

The Leeds Police Department’s statement, as quoted in their social media post, directly addresses the risks of public involvement: interference occurs “regardless if they are an illegal alien” or in possession of contraband like methamphetamine, a stolen firearm, and drug paraphernalia.

Chief Paul Irwin or departmental spokespersons have not issued additional personalised comments in the fetched reports, but the PSA serves as an official reminder. This approach prioritises officer safety and procedural integrity during stops.

What is the Location and Context of President Street?

The 7300 block of President Street in Leeds, Alabama, served as the site of this tense encounter. Leeds, a city in Jefferson County, experiences typical suburban traffic dynamics where such stops are routine but can turn critical with external factors.

No prior incidents at this specific location were linked in reports, positioning it as an ordinary setting for law enforcement activity.​

Who is Involved in the Immigration Aspect?

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will assume custody of Jacob Garcia Martinez post-jail release, as confirmed by Leeds Police. This reflects standard protocol for individuals deemed unlawfully present, amid ongoing national debates on immigration enforcement.

No details on Martinez’s background beyond his Birmingham address and charges were provided in sources.​

What Broader Implications Arise from This Arrest?

This case illustrates the potential consequences of intervening in police matters, as warned by authorities. It also spotlights the challenges at the nexus of criminal investigations and immigration status in local communities like Leeds.

Journalists from ABC 3340 and 1819 News have attributed all facts directly to police statements, avoiding speculation. The incident, unfolding on January 14, 2026, continues to resonate in local discussions on law, order, and public conduct.

How Does This Fit into Local Crime Patterns?

While specific patterns for Leeds traffic stops involving drugs or immigration were not detailed in immediate coverage, the discovery of methamphetamine, a stolen handgun, and paraphernalia aligns with regional concerns over controlled substances and firearms.

Everling’s actions, though isolated, prompted a proactive PSA to educate residents. Ongoing monitoring by Jefferson County authorities will track case developments impartially.