By Carol Robinson
Source al.com
A Hoover police officer was shot midday Sunday, and the suspect was taken into custody after an hourslong standoff.
The ordeal began at 11:25 a.m. on Interstate 459 when a motorist called to report multiple shots had been fired into his vehicle. No one was injured in that incident.
Officers got a description of the suspect vehicle and quickly spotted it.
The suspect vehicle exited the interstate and pulled into The Hills at Hoover apartment complex off Lorna Road.
The suspect then fired on officers. Police returned fire, but Hoover Police Lt. Daniel Lowe said they don’t know if the suspect was struck.
Residents reported hearing at least eight or nine shots.
The suspect then is believed to have retreated into an apartment in the 3600 Building. Lowe said police were trying to negotiate with the suspect. He did not say whether the suspect responded to the negotiation attempts, but police reported he was taken into custody at 3:41 p.m.
Lowe said the suspect, who has not been identified, walked out of the apartment voluntarily. He had been shot in one arm, and is being treated at an undisclosed hospital for a non-life-threatening injury.
The officer was transported by police escort to UAB Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. He was said to be alert and stable when he left the scene and arrived at the hospital.
Friends posted on social media that the officer was shot in the arm and in his bullet-proof vest. Lowe said he was shot in both arms.
The officer has since been released from the hospital.
Tactical officers from multiple agencies in Jefferson and Shelby counties were on the scene, including the U.S. Marshals. A law enforcement staging area was set up at nearby Aldridge Gardens.
Police established a large perimeter, clearing out bystanders and media. Just before 2 p.m., residents reported that they are being evacuated. Some were moved to the complex’s leasing office while others were told to shelter in place. That order was lifted after the suspect’s arrest.
Officers blocked off all entrances to the complex and were stationed on Lorna Road.
Lowe thanked the multiple agencies that assisted as well as the apartment residents for their patience during an “apprehensive” situation.
Because Hoover officers fired their weapons, the State Bureau of Investigation has taken over as lead agency on the probe, which is standard procedure.
“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,” Mayor Frank Brocato said in a prepared statement. “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.”
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