Shooting At Galleria: Man Shot By Police 'Likely Not The Shooter'

HOOVER, AL - A fight that broke out at the Riverchase Galleria resulted in gunfire being exchanged and, ultimately, one person dead. Further investigation, however, has authorities seeking another suspect, as the man shot an killed by police was likely not the shooter.

Two uniformed Hoover Police officers providing security at the mall were in close proximity and heard the gunshots. While moving toward the shooting scene, one of the officers encountered a suspect brandishing a pistol and shot him. That individual, 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The first shooting victim, an 18-year-old male from Birmingham, was transported to UAB Hospital by ambulance in serious condition. A 12-year-old female who was an innocent bystander was also wounded by gunfire. She was transported to Children’s Hospital by a Hoover Fire Department rescue unit and is in stable condition. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case per the request of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation has revealed that Bradford, who was shot and killed by Hoover police, may not have been the person who shot and injured the 18-year-old victim.

A statement from the Hoover PD Friday said the investigation has revealed that another shooter was likely involved, and is still at large. "New evidence now suggests that while Mr. Bradford may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that injured the 18-year-old victim."

The incident has shaken not only the Hoover community, but the Birmingham area entirely. “You just don’t bring guns into a crowded mall and unfortunately that’s what happened tonight,” Hoover mayor Frank Brocato said.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch