HUNTSVILLE — An officer with the Huntsville Police Department died in the line of duty on Tuesday night. Another suffered life-threatening injuries following a shooting on Governors House Drive in Huntsville.
“This is a devastating loss for our department, the Huntsville community and the State of Alabama,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said.
The two officers were gunned down by an offender when responding to a shots fired call just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Chief Giles said. As we grieve with our fallen officer’s family, we have another officer fighting for his life. Please keep all our officers and the entire department in your prayers.”
Attorney General Steve Marshall identified the fallen officer as Garrett Crumby.
“This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family,” 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.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has charged Juan Robert Laws, 24, with capital murder of a law enforcement officer. He was booked into the Madison County Jail just before 11 p.m.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as new developments are confirmed.