Fort Payne Man Convicted of Assault on a Westmoreland Tire Employee
by DeKalb County Jury
District Attorney Summer Summerford announced Thursday that Royce Eugene Lader was convicted by a DeKalb County jury of Assault 2nd Degree on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
On May 6, 2024, Royce Eugene Lader aggressively confronted employees of Westmoreland Tire on the premises of the business. Lader was asked to leave the business on several occasions. An altercation broke out between Lader and two employees, after Lader refused to leave the business and struck the employees. One of the employees suffered permanent and serious physical injuries as a result of the attack by Lader. Lader left the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival but was eventually arrested by members of the Fort Payne Police Department.
The case was presided over by Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell. A sentencing hearing will be held on August 27, 2025, at 9:00 am.
“Our local small businesses have so much to deal with on a daily basis – having to physically defend themselves is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” added Summerford.
This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Brady Burns and Assistant District Attorney Matt Green.
