Bank robbery suspect was killed and 2 others were injured in an exchange of gunfire, officials say
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — A law enforcement officer shot and killed a bank robbery suspect Tuesday in north Alabama during an exchange of gunfire, state officials said. A police officer and a bystander were also wounded during the shooting.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the fatal shooting that occurred in Florence. Louis Michael Hill, 26, of Rogersville was killed in the shooting, the agency said.
Deputies with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office and officers with the Florence Police Department were responding to a call about a bank robbery, a news release from the state agency said. The suspect's vehicle became disabled during a chase.
'While attempting to steal another vehicle, Hill presented a firearm and fired at law enforcement officers. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding Hill,' state agency officials wrote in the news release.
The agency said a person in the vehicle that the suspect was attempting to steal, as well as an officer with the Florence Police Department, were struck by gunfire. Their injuries were not life-threatening.
Center Star Fire/Rescue, a small fire department in north Alabama, identified one of its firefighters, Grace McClusky, as the injured bystander.
The department wrote in a Facebook post that McClusky came upon the scene of the car crash and 'immediately pulled over to render aid, unaware that the individual involved was engaged in a police pursuit with local law enforcement.'
'Without hesitation, she acted in accordance with her training, prioritizing the well-being of those in need,' the department wrote. The fire department said McClusky is recovering at home.
A witness told WAFF that the man began shooting after crashing his car.
'And he got out and ran toward another red car and tried to open the door. He couldn't get into the car, so you could see where he gave up and just made his way to the police officers just aiming at them and shooting at them.' Kaden Agee told WAFF.
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