Man shot by Tuscaloosa police set fire to woman’s home, shot her car, fired at officers in chase, officials say
A 33-year-old man wounded during an exchange of gunfire with Tuscaloosa police has been formally charged in connection with the overnight incident.
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Wednesday afternoon announced charges against Jamarcus Dewayne Garrett.
He is charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer. His bond on those charges is set at $2 million.
Garrett is also charged with first-degree burglary/domestic violence and first-degree robbery.
Capt. Jack Kennedy said he is being held without bond on those charges under Aniah’s Law.
The ordeal began about 7:34 p.m. when a domestic violence victim called police, who took the report for domestic violence/burglary.
The victim said Garrett forced his way inside her home and got into an argument with her, Kennedy said.
The victim told police Garrett was armed with a handgun at that time and demanded and then took the keys to her residence before leaving in a silver Dodge Avenger.
The victim had been romantically involved with Garrett but had since broken up with him, Kennedy said. The victim had filed an application for Protection from Abuse against Garrett, and the court date was pending.
About 9:30 p.m., the victim and witnesses heard shots being fired near their residence and observed a silver Dodge Avenger on the street. Police responded and took another report.
The victim did not realize at the time but discovered later that her car had been struck multiple times by gunfire during the incident, Kennedy said.
Garrett was suspected as the shooter and the victim left her residence for safety. TPD began patrolling and searching for the suspect.
At 11:47 p.m., Kennedy said, the victim’s neighbors called and reported that the victim’s residence was on fire.
Police and firefighters responded to find damage to the residence.
Items were found on scene that led to the belief that this was arson, Kennedy said, and based on the previous incidents, Garrett was the suspect in the fire as well.
At 11:54 p.m., the silver Dodge Avenger occupied by Garrett was seen by TPD patrol officers, who attempted to stop it.
The suspect fled at high rate of speed, at times over 100 mph, resulting in a police pursuit.
Garrett began firing a handgun at officers during the pursuit, Kennedy said. Two different police vehicles were struck by gunfire from Garrett.
Garrett then crashed into two private vehicles at the intersection of McFarland Boulevard and 15th Street, who were not involved, but waiting at the red light.
Kennedy said they were not seriously injured.
Garrett crashed into several power poles and came to a stop. The crash happened at 12:03 a.m. along Veterans Memorial Parkway near University Mall.
As officers tried to secure and approach Garrett’s vehicle, Kennedy said, Garrett fired a round from his handgun.
Garrett was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
One Tuscaloosa officer immediately fired one round in return.
All officers then took cover, and began issuing commands, but Garrett refused to exit the vehicle. He could be seen moving inside.
Tuscaloosa Police activated their Special Response Team.
Garrett was eventually removed from the vehicle. He was found to have a gunshot wound to his neck area and taken to DCH Regional Medical Center where he is in stable condition.
He was transported and is being treated in a secure medical facility and is in stable condition at this time. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The investigation is being conducted by investigators not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Kennedy said.
“Whether or not Garret’s gunshot injuries were self-inflicted, or a result of the officer defending himself is still under investigation,’’ Kennedy said. “Although some charges have been obtained today, more charges are still under investigation and are likely.”