Teenager Accused Of Shooting At Tuscaloosa Police Officers

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A teenager is in custody after allegedly shooting at Tuscaloosa Police officers Monday night.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media Tuesday morning that two Tuscaloosa Police officers were patrolling in the area of the 600 block of 23rd Avenue East around 6:30 p.m. following a report of a shooting in the area.

No on was injured in the shooting earlier in the day, Kennedy said, and the marked patrol vehicle was occupied by two officers.

"While patrolling, the officers observed a male appear to walk rapidly between two houses upon sight of their marked patrol vehicle," Kennedy said. "As the officers drove past the houses, the subject was seen standing in a semi-concealed position, with a firearm in his hand, wearing a mask."

Kennedy went on to say the suspect fired at least eight rounds in rapid succession at the officers, who accelerated and drove past the suspect.

"The suspect was then observed running away and jumping fences," Kennedy said. " The officers did not stop, or otherwise make any contact with the suspect, and were merely driving along the street when they were fired upon."

Kennedy said the officers did not return fire and the patrol vehicle was not struck, but an occupied residence was hit on the opposite side of the street.

He then explained that the angle of the strikes, as well as the officers dash cam video, confirmed that the suspect was firing towards the TPD vehicle.

In response, Kennedy said TPD set up a perimeter and began searching for the suspect, while the Violent Crimes Unit was called out to assume the investigation.

"Due to the fact that TPD personnel were involved, only investigators and supervisors not affiliated with TPD were involved in the investigation," Kennedy said. "After speaking with witnesses from the neighborhood, as well as reviewing the officer’s dash cam and body cam, and multiple sources of surveillance video, a 15-year-old juvenile was developed as a suspect."

The teenage suspect was located late Monday evening and the firearm believed to have been used was also located following the execution of a search warrant.

Kennedy said the juvenile has been charged through juvenile court with two counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied residence. The suspect has been committed to juvenile detention.

What's more, Kennedy said investigators also believe the this suspect was involved in the shooting from the previous day.

Kennedy declined to identify the suspect due to his age.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.