Suspect Charged After Police Pursuit, Officer-Involved Shooting In Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A suspect is in custody following a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting in Tuscaloosa Thursday night.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media Friday that officers with the Tuscaloosa Police Department were dispatched at about 9 p.m. to a shots fired call at Landmark Apartments at 5501 Old Montgomery Highway.

Kennedy said witnesses reported that shots had been fired from a red car and after officers arrived on scene a few minutes later, they made contact with a red vehicle that was occupied by 30-year-old Tyler Guyton.

"Guyton initially refused to identify himself and then put his vehicle in drive and fled at a high rate of speed," Kennedy said. "The officers gave pursuit on foot and in patrol vehicles. Guyton drove towards the exit of the parking lot, which was blocked by an occupied TPD patrol unit."

He then said Guyton slammed on the brakes, backed up, and began to drive back towards the occupied patrol unit before an officer approaching on foot fired one round at the driver’s side of the vehicle while giving orders to stop.

"Guyton stopped momentarily and then was able to drive back into the parking lot at a high rate of speed," Kennedy said. "The pursuit continued until Guyton drove into a dead end and then refused to exit his vehicle. He was eventually removed. He was found to have not been struck by a projectile, but had a minor injury, possibly due to broken glass."

Kennedy then said the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit was called to to assume the investigation and explained that investigators and supervisors not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department are handling the investigation.

Guyton has been charged with attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, obstructing government operations, and reckless endangerment.

As for the initial shots fired call, Kennedy said Guyton’s reason for being at the complex and fleeing from police, as well as the circumstances where the officer discharged his weapon, is still under investigation.

Kennedy said the case will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for evaluation of any additional charges or presentation to a grand jury at the conclusion of the investigation.

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