A Huntsville Police officer died in the line of duty on Tuesday night. One fellow officer remains in critical condition. Both were responding to a shots fired call.
While the exact details of the situation are still being confirmed, one thing is certain: The law enforcement response that followed was “overwhelming.”
“We received a call on Governors House Drive around 4:45 p.m. in reference to a shots fired call,” HPD Deputy Chief Michael Johnson said. “During the course of the initial part of the call, the officers were also shot by an offender that later became barricaded, in which you saw the overwhelming police response thereafter.”
“We had a barricaded subject for a little over an hour, and about 6:20 p.m. we were able to take that subject into custody.”
Juan Robert Laws, 24, was charged with capital murder of a law enforcement officer. He’s being held at the Madison County Jail without bond.
HPD confirmed that one officer succumbed to his injuries while the second officer underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition at the time of post.
The slain officer was identified as Garrett Crumby, a three-year veteran of the Huntsville Police Department.
Officers from the Huntsville Police Department came together for an astounding show of force. Many gathered in prayer for their fellow officers outside of Huntsville Hospital as they underwent emergency surgery and the highest possible level of care.
Here was the remarkable scene Tuesday night:
(@crimewithbobby/twitter)
“This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We are heartbroken. Words cannot express our loss. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community, and we stand united with our police officers and their families in this tragic moment.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement identifying the fallen officer as Crumby, who served eight years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
“He is the first Alabama police officer to fall to gunfire this year, but the third to be shot in the line of duty,” Marshall said.
Many local, state and national leaders have expressed that Huntsville had their attention Tuesday night.
I am devastated to learn the news that two Huntsville police officers were shot in the line of duty this evening. I ask the people of Alabama to join me in prayer for these heroes and their family, friends and community. @HsvPolice
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) March 29, 2023
Two Huntsville police officers were shot in the line of duty tonight, an absolutely tragedy. Details are limited at this time as a stand-off is ongoing, but I am following the situation closely. My prayers are with the officers and their families.
— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) March 28, 2023
My heart breaks hearing this news. Please join me in praying for these officers, their loved ones, and their community.
Our incredible law enforcement officers put themselves in harm way’s every single day to protect and serve others. https://t.co/h5XGNHCrW5
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) March 29, 2023
I join people across Alabama in praying for the two officers wounded in a shooting today.
We wish them a speedy recovery and we thank them for the bravery they showed today and every day. https://t.co/Yq3Pva3267
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) March 29, 2023
