Cullman County DA deems deputies were justified in July shooting, faced deadly threat

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — District Attorney Champ Crocker said that deputies involved in a July 19 shooting where a suspect was injured were justified.

CCSO said deputies tried to serve a warrant in the Bethel community on the morning of Saturday, July 19.

According to Crocker, the homeowner directed the deputies to the basement, which was accessible through an outside door. He said deputies announced their presence, made entry to the basement and located the suspect, who had enclosed himself behind a door in the basement, after a short search.

“Deputies told the suspect there was an arrest warrant and directed him to open the door,” Crocker said. “The suspect resisted, and announced that he had a gun and would protect himself. As deputies made entry through the door, the suspect brandished a shotgun. Deputies fired at the suspect, resulting in him being struck by one round.”

Crocker said that after reviewing all the evidence from this incident, he determined the deputies did face a deadly threat and were justified in the shooting.

After reviewing all the available evidence, including the deputies’ body camera footage, I have determined that this was a justified shooting. These deputies were carrying out a law enforcement function by serving a warrant and while doing so, they were faced with a deadly threat. The suspect’s shotgun was loaded with buckshot and the suspect displayed every intention of shooting at the deputies. Not only was this a justified shooting, the deputies involved did exactly what they were trained to do when facing this type of danger which later included administering lifesaving first aid to the suspect. I plan to present this matter to a Grand Jury, to whom I will recommend confirmation of this decision.
District Attorney Champ Crocker

Following shots being fired, CCSO said that deputies rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. The suspect was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.