UPDATE: March 24:A preliminary hearing is set in a Shelby County courtroom for April 13 at 2 p.m.-----------------------------------------------UPDATE: March 23:A suspect has been charged in the shooting of two Shelby County deputies.WVTM 13 News has confirmed that John Thomason is charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and criminal trespassing.Thomason is in jail with a bond set at $1,002,000.The deputies were released from the hospital on March 22 and are expected to recover.Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police president Everette Johnson said it was a relief to all law enforcement. "We never want it to happen," Johnson said. "Two officers — that just compounds the level of stress and concern that we have. For them to go home and live to fight another day, so to speak, is — we're extremely happy with this outcome. That the suspect is in custody and no longer a threat to the community is also a relief as well. When you're dealing with a welfare check, you're dealing with an unknown. You're approaching a house, not knowing what you'll find on the other side of that door."“I’m thankful, first and foremost, that our deputies are going to be alright,” said District Attorney Matt Casey. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officers face each and every day. Our office will continue to work in coordination with the Shelby County Major Crimes Task Force to pursue justice in this case,” said Casey.---------------------------------------------------UPDATE: March 22:The Shelby County Sheriff's Office said both injured deputies were released from the hospital.-----------------------------------Two Shelby County sheriff's deputies have been injured by gunfire and were taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital.It happened while four deputies were on a welfare check in the 3100 block of Bradford Place in the Meadowbrook community Wednesday morning. The homeowners were out of town and were concerned that their adult son would try to break into the home.Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said the deputies encountered a man inside the home who shot two of them. One of the deputies fired a weapon but did not injure anyone.The other two deputies assisted the two who were injured until medical crews could arrive.One person was detained, and officials say there is no threat to the public. The deputies' conditions are not known, but they are not believed to have life-threatening injuries.Authorities ask the public to avoid the area and expect an increased law enforcement presence.
SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. —
UPDATE: March 24:
A preliminary hearing is set in a Shelby County courtroom for April 13 at 2 p.m.
-----------------------------------------------
UPDATE: March 23:
A suspect has been charged in the shooting of two Shelby County deputies.
WVTM 13 News has confirmed that John Thomason is charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and criminal trespassing.
Thomason is in jail with a bond set at $1,002,000.
The deputies were released from the hospital on March 22 and are expected to recover.
Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police president Everette Johnson said it was a relief to all law enforcement.
"We never want it to happen," Johnson said. "Two officers — that just compounds the level of stress and concern that we have. For them to go home and live to fight another day, so to speak, is — we're extremely happy with this outcome. That the suspect is in custody and no longer a threat to the community is also a relief as well. When you're dealing with a welfare check, you're dealing with an unknown. You're approaching a house, not knowing what you'll find on the other side of that door."
“I’m thankful, first and foremost, that our deputies are going to be alright,” said District Attorney Matt Casey. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officers face each and every day. Our office will continue to work in coordination with the Shelby County Major Crimes Task Force to pursue justice in this case,” said Casey.
---------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: March 22:
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office said both injured deputies were released from the hospital.
-----------------------------------
Two Shelby County sheriff's deputies have been injured by gunfire and were taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital.
It happened while four deputies were on a welfare check in the 3100 block of Bradford Place in the Meadowbrook community Wednesday morning. The homeowners were out of town and were concerned that their adult son would try to break into the home.
Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said the deputies encountered a man inside the home who shot two of them. One of the deputies fired a weapon but did not injure anyone.
The other two deputies assisted the two who were injured until medical crews could arrive.
One person was detained, and officials say there is no threat to the public.
The deputies' conditions are not known, but they are not believed to have life-threatening injuries.
Authorities ask the public to avoid the area and expect an increased law enforcement presence.
