Galleria Shooting: Police Vow Transparency In Investigation

HOOVER, AL - The Thanksgiving night shooting incident at the Riverchase Galleria has made national headlines, as the man killed by a Hoover police officer - initially thought to be the shooter who injured two victims - was not the person who fired shots that wounded an 18-year-old male and 12-year-old female. A joint statement by the City of Hoover and the Hoover Police Department Monday vows transparency in the investigation into the incident.

"We want everyone who lives in, works in, works for, or visits Hoover to know that we are a city that puts safety and respect in the highest regard for all citizens," the statement said. "We will be transparent throughout the course of this investigation.

"Beginning today, we will provide weekly updates to news media each Monday by 10:30 a.m. Central time. We hope this helps keep the media and the public informed of what we know and are able to share without jeopardizing the investigation. We will also keep the public informed of any developments through our website and the social media pages belonging to the City and to the Police Department. Should significant developments occur prior to any given regular Monday update, we will provide that news as soon as we can."

The family of Emantic J. Bradford, the 21-year-old Hueytown resident who was shot and killed by police, has hired a civil rights attorney - the same attorney who was involved in other recent high-profile cases involving police shooting black men. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Related story: Family Of Man Killed By Hoover PD Hires Civil Rights Attorney

"Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are extended to the families of those affected by the traumatic events surrounding the officer-involved shooting last Thursday evening, November 22, 2018," the statement reads. "We extend sympathy to the family of Emantic J. Bradford of Hueytown, who was shot and killed during Hoover Police efforts to secure the scene in the seconds following the original altercation and shooting. The loss of human life is a tragedy under any circumstances."

The statement also confirms that Bradford was brandishing a weapon at the time he was shot. "We can say with certainty Mr. Bradford brandished a gun during the seconds following the gunshots, which instantly heightened the sense of threat to approaching police officers responding to the chaotic scene. Body camera video and other available video was immediately turned over to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department as part of the investigation."

Gun control advocates have pointed to incidents such as this, where someone with a gun is on the scene of a shooting and is mistaken for the shooter. The gunfire erupted at 9:52 p.m. on the second floor of the Galleria outside Foot Action, when police say gunfire erupted during an altercation between as many as four males. Bradford was shot, his 18-year-old friend was seriously wounded, and the 12-year-old bystander was shot in the back.

"Now, all evidence has been handed over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to lead the investigation. Release of any video will be done as ALEA deems appropriate during the investigation," the statement said. "Our thoughts are also with the family of the 18-year-old young man who suffered gunshot wounds in the altercation between mall patrons, as well as the family of the 12-year-old girl who was an innocent bystander also wounded by gunfire in the initial shooting.

"These are just some of the many lives that were immediately impacted by an event so unnecessary on what should have been a peaceful Thanksgiving evening. We continue to support ALEA in its investigation of last Thursday’s tragic events, including pursuing the initial shooter who still remains at large. We have certain information about this individual and ask the public to provide ALEA with any available details that may hasten an arrest."

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch