Driver killed by police as shots fired in Northport traffic stop leads to chase through 2 counties
An overnight attempted traffic stop in Tuscaloosa County ended in Greene County with the driver fatally shot by law enforcement officers, according to officials.
The ordeal began about 11:15 p.m. Thursday when Northport police conducted a traffic stop in the 4000 block of McFarland Boulevard, near Highway 43 and Main Avenue, said Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy.
Shots were reportedly fired, and the vehicle fled the scene.
A chase ensued, which eventually involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
The pursuit crossed into Greene County, where the suspect crashed on Interstate 20/59.
Kennedy said officers and deputies from several jurisdictions, including the Northport Police Department, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA, and from within Greene County, approached the vehicle and reported that the suspect was armed with a firearm.
Shots were fired from several officers and the suspect was hit. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
The Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the initial officer-involved shooting that happened in Northport.
Kennedy said no investigators affiliated with the Northport Police Department will be involved with that investigation.
“This investigation is just beginning,” he said, “and it will be some time before any other statements or information will be released.”
The investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred in Greene County is being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation.