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Manhunt Underway After Suspect Shot At A Police Officer Overnight

By Jane Seedhouse
Published on: 00:59 PST, Jan 8, 2016

The manhunt underway in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, today is for at least one suspect accused of firing shots at a police officer overnight. The lead up to the manhunt underway all started a little before 2 a.m. on Friday. Police were notified of a suspicious vehicle after the suspects knocked on someone’s door asking for directions. Shortly after the call an officer spotted the vehicle and a short car chase began.

After the initial investigation got underway, it seems that the car the suspects were in was stolen from Center Point on Thursday. The chase ended as the stolen car spun out of control at Smyer Road and ended up in the front yard of a home.

According to WVTM 13, Lt. Kevin York said the pursuit quickly changed into a manhunt when the two suspects got out of the vehicle, and fired several shots at a police officer. The officer was not hit and did not return fire and the driver and passenger of the stolen vehicle then ran off into the woods.

Officers have recovered a firearm and one of the suspects (a young male) is now in custody.

At that point, the manhunt for the additional suspects became underway. Local schools were alerted to the manhunt by 5:30 a.m. and parents in the area were also alerted as the police department closed down Smyer Road.

The AL.com reports a perimeter has been established for the manhunt underway on Highway 280 around the Water Works area. Officers and deputies from surrounding areas such as Homewood, Jefferson County, Mountain Brook, Shelby County, and Hoover are assisting with the manhunt. A helicopter is also on its way to help cover more ground, and expedite the manhunt.

By 8 a.m. investigative sources revealed that the suspects are deemed to be no longer in the area.

When asked about a possible motive as to why the suspects came to Vestavia from Center Point, Lieutenant York gave a statement.

“We have been told by multiple suspects and sources that it is because there is nice stuff in Vestavia. They can steal a car and come here to rob the house. Most of the robberies happen during the day because in our modern society, no one is home during the day.”

Vestavia Hills PD describe the manhunt underway as an “all hands on deck” situation according to WRBC.

Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity and the manhunt is underway until further notice.

UPDATE at 11 a.m. EST:

A press conference was held at the Vestavia city hall at 10 a.m. EST this morning as police confirmed that a second young male has been arrested in connection with the manhunt. The second suspect was arrested at his home in Huffman, Alabama, and another firearm was confiscated from inside the house.

Both arrested suspects have been confirmed to be African-American males between the age of 19 and 25. No charges have been filed against either one yet, but they could face charges of attempted murder, attempting to elude, stolen vehicle, and stolen firearms. At this time the police are not sure if there is a third suspect at large.

This story about the manhunt underway in Alabama is developing. Check back for updates.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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