VCU: Suspect Cut TPD Officer With Knife Before Being Shot And Killed At Whataburger

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Investigators provided additional details Saturday morning following an overnight officer-involved shooting that left one man dead and a Tuscaloosa Police officer injured.

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Sgt. Josh Hastings of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office told local media during a press conference that officers with the Tuscaloosa Police Department first responded at about 1:30 a.m. to a trespassing call at Whataburger on McFarland Boulevard.

TPD officers made contact with a suspect — Joseph Earl Driver, 36 — once they arrived at the restaurant.

Hastings said as police were attempting to place Driver in custody he pulled out a knife and cut one of the officers, which prompted the two officers to shoot Driver multiple times.

Hastings then said the injured officer sought medical treatment for the knife wound, which was not life-threatening.

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit investigators not employed with the Tuscaloosa Police Department are handling the investigation, per standard procedure.

Also keeping in line with the policies of the Violent Crimes Unit, both TPD officers have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

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