An Auburn Police Department officer was shot in the line of duty Friday evening.
Sources reportedly confirmed the shooting to WVTM. The condition of the officer was not immediately known.
The shooting occurred at the Dollar General near Niffer’s Place off of Opelika Road.
WSFA was on the scene live in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, which resulted in a massive police presence. The suspect is believed to still be at-large, with a “manhunt” underway.
Police searching for suspect, believed to be in a silver Jeep Liberty, Alabama tag 6AB5267. Suspect is a white male wearing a camo hoodie. If you see this vehicle or suspect, do not approach and call Auburn Police at 911. (2/2)
— AU Campus Safety (@AuburnSafety) February 16, 2019
This comes after Birmingham Police Department Sgt. Wytasha Carter and Mobile Police Department Officer Sean Tuder were shot and killed in the line of duty in recent weeks.
This is breaking news and may be updated.
Update 8:00 p.m.:
WSFA posted a new live stream.
Update 8:15 p.m.:
Police administrators told reporters the incident occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. as the officer pulled the suspect’s vehicle over responding to an armed robbery call. The officer was talking and alert when he left the scene. More on his condition was not released by law enforcement on the scene. The officer was shot “multiple” times. His name has also not been released.
The suspect is Christopher James Wallace. He is 38 years old. A female was in the vehicle with Wallace at the time of the shooting. Her name is not being released at this time.
Update 11:05 p.m.:
According to police, Wallace and the unnamed female are believed to have perished in a fire. Law enforcement tracked the two persons of interest to an apartment complex off of Wire Road across from the Auburn University Vet School shortly before 9:00 p.m.
While attempting a tactical entry into the residence, shots were fired from the apartment at the officers. Two uninvolved occupants were able to safely exit the residence before law enforcement deployed tear gas and other distraction devices. The two persons of interest still refused to exit the apartment, and a fire soon broke out inside. Wallace and the female never exited the residence, which eventually became “fully engulfed in flames.” A police spokesman said efforts to extinguish the fire were made by first responders. It is unclear how the fire started.
Auburn PD officials said Wallace is believed to have been residing in Eufaula, where he had family members. His driver license showed a Spanish Fort address.
Police Captain Lorenza Dorsey said he is “extremely thankful” no additional officers were injured in the efforts to locate and take Wallace into custody.
The police officer shot is in stable condition receiving medical treatment, according to Dorsey.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
