Man found guilty of attempted murder of Lee County sheriff’s deputy

John Cross was arrested in October 2021 after open firing at the deputy during a traffic stop.
John Cross was arrested in October 2021 after open firing at the deputy during a traffic stop.
Published: Jun. 26, 2024 at 6:30 PM CDT

LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - A jury has found a man guilty for the attempted murder of a Lee County sheriff’s deputy.

John “Squirrel” Cross was arrested in October 2021 after open firing at Deputy Tyron Ponds, who attempted to pull over Cross for a traffic violation in the Beauregard community.

Cross attempted to get away on his motorcycle before crashing it into a wooded area along the road. When Deputy Ponds attempted to check on him, Cross began shooting at him. Deputy Ponds returned fire and both men were struck by bullets.

Ponds did not return to the force until 9 months later.

The sentencing date for Cross is unclear.