Court records say the case began at a home on Archers Cove Way.
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. — A 42-year-old Springville woman faces three attempted murder charges after police said she locked herself and her three minor children inside a running car in a garage on April 14.
Alicia Chermamie Cade also is charged with first-degree arson and second-degree assault, according to court records. The allegations have shaken the Archers Cove neighborhood, where residents said police activity outside the home drew attention and left many stunned.
Court records say the incident happened at a home on Archers Cove Way. Cade was taken into custody April 16, two days after the alleged incident. Police said she locked herself and the children inside the running vehicle in the garage. Records also accuse her of intentionally starting or maintaining a fire at the home.
Neighbor Sharon Williams said the case was painful to hear about as a parent. “I was really hurt about it,” Williams said. “Being a parent, you’d never want to see your kids hurt.” A neighbor’s video showed Cade on a stretcher after her arrest, while residents watched from the quiet subdivision.
Cade also faces a second-degree assault charge after court records say she punched an officer in the jaw while he was trying to handcuff her. Officials have not released detailed information on the children’s conditions, and several parts of the case remain unclear, including what led up to the alleged incident.
Some neighbors told WVTM they believed Cade may have been dealing with mental health issues. Others said they saw no clear warning signs. Residents also described a past neighborhood incident in which they said Cade pulled a gun after a dog got loose and chased her children.
Court records also show Cade has prior charges in Mobile County tied to the alleged assault of a health care worker and an officer. She was booked into the St. Clair County Jail and was awaiting extradition to Mobile County on those earlier charges.
Bond was set at $60,000 for each attempted murder charge and $15,000 for the Springville assault charge. Court records listed no bond on the arson charge as the case continued this week.
Author note: Last updated May 27, 2026.