Sandy MaloneHoover, AL – A Hoover police officer was shot multiple times on Sunday morning at an apartment complex after officers tracked down a suspect accused of shooting at vehicles on the interstate.
The incident began at about 11:25 a.m. on Oct. 16 when police received a 911 call from a motorist who said a man in another vehicle had fired several shots into his car while he was traveling on Interstate 459, AL.com reported.
Police said the driver was not struck by any of the bullets and he was able to give officers a good description of the vehicle the gunman was driving.
Officers quickly spotted the suspect vehicle, according to AL.com.
The suspect got off the highway and pulled into The Hills at Hoover apartment complex on Lorna Road with police on his tail.
Police said the suspect opened fire on officers and one Hoover police officer was shot multiple times in both arms, WBRC reported.
Officers returned fire but police could not immediately tell whether the suspect had been shot, AL.com reported.
The armed suspect retreated into an apartment in the 3600-building of the complex and a long standoff began.
Media briefing on officer-involved shooting
Full statement: https://t.co/r9mJgqNaCx
Residents of The Hills at Hoover apartments: continue to shelter in place until further instructed.
Next media briefing will be announced here on our Twitter feed.#hooverpdofficer #hooverpd pic.twitter.com/ygzT33m2SI
— Hoover Police Dept (@HooverPD) October 16, 2022
Officials said that U.S. Marshals and tactical officers from multiple law enforcement agencies in Jefferson and Shelby counties were on the scene, AL.com reported.
Police set up a perimeter and then evacuated some residents of the apartment complex while ordering others to shelter-in-place.
All residents of The Hills at Hoover apartment complex: shelter in place until further instructions.#hooverpdofficer #hooverpd
— Hoover Police Dept (@HooverPD) October 16, 2022
The wounded officer was transported to University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB) Hospital and treated for his gunshot wounds, WBRC reported.
1:10pm alert:
Hoover PD Officer injured in a shooting, transported to local hospital. Extent of injuries unknown at this time.
More information to follow. Media staging: upper parking lot of city hall. We will update with an exact time soon.#hooverpdofficer
— Hoover Police Dept (@HooverPD) October 16, 2022
The apartment complex was placed in a lockdown as police negotiated with the suspect for hours.
Hoover Police Lieutenant Daniel Lowe told reporters the suspect ultimately walked out of the apartment where he had been barricaded voluntarily, with his hands up, AL.com reported.
Lt. Lowe said the suspect was taken into custody at 3:41 p.m.
#BREAKING large police presence at The Hills at Hoover apartment complex after officials confirm an officer was shot and sent to the hospital @CBS_42 residents asked to move to Aldridge Gardens because it is not safe to go home pic.twitter.com/Oc2Vzm4FBm
— Jen Cardone (@Card1Reports) October 16, 2022
The suspect had been shot in one arm and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, AL.com reported.
He was alert and stable when he left the scene and police said they did not believe his wounds were life-threatening.
The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has taken the lead on the officer-involved shooting investigation, AL.com reported.
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato released a statement late on Sunday.
“I have visited with the officer and family members at UAB Hospital. I am thankful and relieved that our officer’s injuries do not appear to be critical,” the statement read. “Today’s shooting is indicative of the challenges that law enforcement officers face daily in our communities and we are all very fortunate that this incident did not have a tragic outcome.”
Officials have not yet released the name of the wounded police officer, AL.com reported.
Police also have not yet publicly identified the gunman.
Holly Matkin
