Hale County Man Identified As Suspect Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting In Northport

NORTHPORT, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit says a Hale County man who allegedly opened fire on officers during a multi-agency pursuit early Wednesday was shot and killed in Northport by a Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s deputy.

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Captain Marty Sellers told local media in an update Wednesday morning that the chase began around 2:23 a.m. when Hale County law enforcement notified the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office that a driver had fired shots at their officers and was heading north on Highway 69.

As Patch previously reported, deputies joined the pursuit as it moved through Tuscaloosa County, into the city of Tuscaloosa and then into Northport.

Sellers identified the suspect as Matthew Matherson, 38.

He said Matherson eventually pulled into Bell Auto Parts at the intersection of Fifth Street and Bridge Avenue in Northport, before he got out of the vehicle and opened fire on law enforcement officers.

A Tuscaloosa County deputy returned fire, killing Matherson.

Sellers said no officers were injured.

He then said that Matherson, a resident of Hale County, had a violent criminal history and had previously been arrested by both Hale County and Tuscaloosa County agencies.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation.

Sellers said that due to the fact a Tuscaloosa County deputy was involved, investigators and supervisors not affiliated with the sheriff’s office were assigned to the case.

"At this time, evidence suggests that the shooting of the suspect was justified," Sellers said. "As is typical in these cases, the evidence will be presented to a Tuscaloosa County Grand Jury."

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