Suspect shot, critically injured by Alabama police officers after he brandished AR-15, officials said
Published 6:08 am Thursday, November 18, 2021
A man is in critical condition after authorities say he pointed an assault rifle at Alabama police officers, who then fired multiple shots in response.
Local news sources report the officer-involved shooting that occurred at Bent Tree Apartments in Tuscaloosa early Wednesday morning.
Officials with the Tuscaloosa Police Department said around 2:00 a.m. on November 17, 2021, officers got a call from employees at a Tuscaloosa bar about an unruly patron, who was reportedly intoxicated.
The man drove away from the bar recklessly when officers arrived. When officers tried to make a traffic stop, they said the man would not stop. The suspect then drove to the apartment complex and went into an apartment, where the man reportedly lives.
Officers said they attempted to make contact with the man in the apartment. At one point, two of the suspect’s roommates exited the apartment and told officers that the suspect was inside and that he was armed with an AR-15 rifle and a pistol.
Officers continued to attempt to make contact with the suspect. When officers reported hearing two gunshots from inside the apartment, a perimeter was immediately set up around the area and surrounding tenants were evacuated.
Investigators then reported that the suspect opened the door and aimed a loaded rifle at an officer. Multiple officers opened fire and shot the man.
The man was taken to a hospital and he is in critical condition. No officers were physically hurt in the incident.
A separate investigation into the officers’ actions has been launched, which is standard procedure. Officials said officers appear to have acted within policy. Eight police officers are on leave while the investigation continues.