Holly MatkinHuntsville, AL – A Huntsville police officer was murdered and a second officer was critically wounded while responding to a domestic violence incident on Tuesday night.
The incident began at approximately 4:45 p.m. on March 28, when a woman called 911 to report she had been shot at an apartment building located in the 4600-block of Governors House Drive, CNN reported.
Huntsville Police Department (HPD) Officer Garret Crumby and Officer Albert Morin were first to arrive at the scene, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.
Marshall said the two officers were “ambushed” by a male shooter when they arrived at the residence, CNN reported.
The gunman was allegedly the same suspect who had shot the female 911 caller.
Police said the suspect “barricaded himself inside an apartment” after the attack, ABC News reported.
The wounded officers were rushed to Huntsville Hospital, where one officer succumbed to his injuries, the HPD confirmed in a press release.
Marshall identified the slain hero as Officer Crumby, a three-year veteran of the HPD, CNN reported.
Officer Morin underwent surgery and remained in critical condition late Tuesday night.
The woman who was shot prior to the officers’ arrival was transported to the hospital in unknown condition, police said.
The gunman was apprehended at approximately 6:20 p.m., ABC News reported.
He was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to the HPD.
The alleged shooter has since been identified as 24-year-old Juan Robert Laws, FOX News reported.
Laws has been charged with capital murder of a police officer in connection with Officer Crumby’s death.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal ambush.
“Tonight, our State grieves the death of another member of the law enforcement community — one who, when called upon, ran toward danger in aide of a female victim and her two small children,” Marshall said on Tuesday night.
HPD Chief Kirk Giles said the horrific attack has left the entire state in mourning.
“This is a devastating loss for [our] department, the Huntsville community and the State of Alabama,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said in the press release. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we grieve with our fallen officer’s family, we have another officer fighting for his life. Please keep all our officers and the entire department in your prayers.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle also released a statement on Tuesday night.
“This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family,” Battle said. “We are heartbroken. Words cannot express our loss. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community, and we stand united with our police officers and their families in this tragic moment.”
Officer Crumby’s body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville, where an autopsy is expected to be held on Wednesday, CNN reported.
The slain hero served eight years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD) prior to joining the HPD three years ago, according to FOX News.
“Our part of the country has been reminded again this week of the pure heroism of those who make up the thin blue line—the dividing line, at times, between life and death for the citizens that they swear an oath to protect,” Marshall said. “These two law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call this evening, knowing full well that they would be placing their lives on the line in defense of their fellow man. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted.”
OFFICER DOWN🚨: Huntsville police in standoff with shooter in apartment buildings. 2 officers have been shot and are currently being attended to.
📍Huntsville, Alabama pic.twitter.com/O47HZPCoSa
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) March 29, 2023
Family & Attorney General Steve Marshall has named the fallen officer as Garrett Crumby.
A 3 year veteran of HPD after spending 8 years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department#hpd #huntsville #breakingnews #officer #shooting #officerdown #HuntsvilleAL #alabama #shot pic.twitter.com/hzsrUyULJc
— Crime With Bobby (@crimewithbobby) March 29, 2023
HPD officers also gathered outside the hpsptial to pray for the 2 officers shot & in critical condition #hpd #huntsville #breakingnews #officer #shooting #officerdown #HuntsvilleAL #alabama #shot pic.twitter.com/p4PTPYU4UC
— Crime With Bobby (@crimewithbobby) March 29, 2023
This is a developing story and we will keep you updated. For all of our updates, follow us on Facebook and go to your news feed preferences under your settings, then select that you want to see more of The Police Tribune’s posts in your news feed. Otherwise, Facebook may not show you updates.
