By Erica Thomas, managing editor
HUNTSVILLE — The Huntsville Police Department announced the shooting death of an officer on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.
The officer, who has not been identified, was killed during a drug-related investigation.
Chief Mark McMurray held a press conference after news of the death was released.
“It’s the last thing any of us want to deal with,” said McMurray. “It’s the last thing any of us want to confront, but it’s happened.”
With tears in his eyes, McMurray said the death of police officers happen too often.
Chief McMurray said he will hold a press conference at noon Saturday to release more information to the public, including the name of the officer killed and the name of the suspect. McMurray said the suspect is in custody. Body camera footage is being used in the investigation.
McMurray said the officer shot was conducting an investigation after finding out through confidential informants that a large amount of drugs would be dropped off at a home.
“We were set up at that location. Unfortunately, when the suspect showed up, he arrived armed and the first person he saw when he got to the residence, he drew a gun and immediately fired at the officer,” said Murray.
The officer was wearing a bulletproof vest but the bullet made its way into the top of the vest and struck the officer in the heart, according to McMurray.
“I’ve never seen such medical trauma care in my life, in my 33 years, as was given to this officer at Huntsville Hospital,” said McMurray.
The downed officer was part of the Strategic Counterdrug Team, also known as the STAC unit. The unit is made up of officers from Huntsville and neighboring agencies, including the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
The Huntsville Police Department and neighboring agencies are now grieving the loss of their co-worker, partner and brother in law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town responded to the death of the officer with a statement.
“All of Alabama is heartbroken again as another Alabama peace officer is gunned down in the line of duty,” said Town. “The Huntsville Police Department investigator, whose name will be released tomorrow, will always be remembered as a good man and a fine officer. Those of us who knew him admired his dedication and professionalism. We must now direct our prayers to his grieving family and pull together in full support of the Huntsville Police Department and law enforcement everywhere who lost another brother of the badge tonight. I am beyond grief.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who McMurray said was checking on the officer while he was in the hospital, also released a statement.
“An officer of the Huntsville Police Department has fallen tonight, killed by gunfire in the line of duty,” Marshall said. “As we mourn the loss of yet another one of Alabama’s heroes, let us pledge to find ways to keep law enforcement safe. Please pray for the officer’s family and fellow officers.”
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has called in patrols to assist the city of Huntsville.
