Florence police officer and bystander shot, suspect killed in shootout on Highway 72

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — According to police, an officer and bystander were injured in a shootout with a bank robbery suspect in Florence on Tuesday afternoon.

Florence Police confirmed to News 19 that the shooting took place in the area of Florence Boulevard/Highway 72 eastbound.

Earlier in the day, officers from the Florence Police Department and deputies from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office responded for a welfare check involving a man who had reportedly threatened to rob the PNC Bank on Cox Creek Parkway.

On Wednesday, Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton told News 19 that the suspect did rob the bank, taking thousands of dollars in cash.

When officers and deputies spotted him leaving the bank, a chase began, which ended when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into another vehicle on Highway 72, just east of County Road 323. Hamilton confirmed that an LCSO deputy deployed spike strips on Florence Boulevard.

”After the crash, the suspect exited his vehicle armed with a firearm and advanced toward law enforcement officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire,” FPD said.

The sheriff’s office said that the person fired shots, and an officer was hit in the shoulder. A bystander was also shot. Authorities said both the officer and bystander were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.

The suspect was shot and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

FPD said that Highway 72 near Shoals Outdoor Sports was completely shut down due to the shooting, police said. Sheriff Hamilton said the road would probably be closed for many hours.

Police said the situation is under control and there is no threat to the community. People were asked to avoid the area.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has been called in to investigate the incident since both officers and deputies were involved.

News 19 will continue to update you on-air and online as we learn more.