Suspect in Gulf Shores shooting that injured juvenile tried to flee: Police
The 18-year-old man detained in connection with the shooting that injured a juvenile Wednesday night in Gulf Shores tried fleeing from officers by breaking into several vehicles, police said Thursday.
Before the suspect was taken into custody Wednesday, police said, he tried to flee the area by gaining entry into multiple vehicles in the 1900 block of Gulf Shores Parkway.
Police said they were not releasing the victim’s name due to their age and withheld identification of the suspects, citing the ongoing investigation and the lack of formal charges so far.
Detectives asked any victims of the attempted break-ins to contact police immediately at 251-968-2431.
The shooting occurred exactly a year after a similar incident during spring break 2023 in Gulf Shores that also injured a juvenile.
Grant Brown, public information officer for the city of Gulf Shores, on Thursday morning said the victim in Wednesday night’s shooting had been treated and released.
On Wednesday night, Brown told Fox 10 that just before 9 p.m. police got a report of a shooting at the corner of Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard.
“A young male was struck in the leg,” Brown said.
Deputy Police Chief Dan Netemeyer said Thursday morning that police do not have anyone in custody for the shooting at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
A person Brown said was taken into custody at a nearby Walmart parking lot “was associated with the shooter,” Netemeyer said. Brown said Thursday that individual is also a juvenile.
“This appears to be an ongoing dispute between two groups from Bay Minette who were in Gulf Shores for the evening,” Netemeyer said.
“I don’t believe they are life-threatening injuries,” Brown said.
The shooting was not far from The Hangout.
“Suspect(s) and victim(s) were not at The Hangout. All Hangout patrons are safe, and we await further details from the GSPD,” The Hangout posted on social media.
It was not clear how many shots were fired but Brown said three shell-casings were recovered from the scene.
“It’s a very isolated event,” Brown said. “We have a significantly strong security force with our police department. We’re a very family friendly destination. We’re blessed. We very seldom, if ever, have situations like this.”
To those who might commit acts of violence in Gulf Shores, Brown said: “Don’t bring that to our town.”
On March 27, 2023, a juvenile was injured in a shooting near a crowded area close to the Gulf Shores Public Beach. The victim survived and several people were charged.