Crime & Safety
Woman Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting Was Suffering From Mental Health Crisis
Here's the latest on an officer-involved shooting early Monday morning that left a Tuscaloosa woman dead.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit on Monday provided updates following an early morning officer-involved shooting that left a woman dead at a Tuscaloosa apartment complex.
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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multiagency unit, told local media Monday afternoon that officers with the Tuscaloosa Police Department first responded around 4:30 a.m. to the 2200 Block of 48th Street East at (Aspen Village Apartments.
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Kennedy explained that family had called officers to the scene to try to assist them with their mother, who had been diagnosed with several mental health issues and was exhibiting symptoms.
"Medical was called and was requested to come to the scene to help assess the mother," he said. "While awaiting medical, the mother grabbed a kitchen knife from the kitchen, and charged at her adult daughter, forcing her into a corner, and aggressively attempting to stab her."
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Kennedy went on to say that one TPD officer discharged his weapon several times, striking the mother, who died at the scene.
She was identified Monday afternoon as 45-year-old Evet Michelle Tower.
Additionally, investigators said the daughter suffered injuries to her hand that were not believed to be life-threatening. The woman's injury remains under investigation.
" The entire course of events was captured on both officer’s body-worn cameras," Kenned said. "Investigators not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department are conducting the investigation."
Kennedy said the case in its entirety will be presented to the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office for evaluation or presentation to a grand jury upon the conclusion of the investigation.
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