Manslaughter Suspect Recovering, 3 Deputies On Leave After Officer-Involved Shooting In Vance

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Investigators provided additional details Friday following a deadly officer-involved shooting Thursday morning in Vance.

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As Patch previously reported, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies were attempting to serve warrants on 36-year-old Ricky Dale Adkins at a residence in the 13000 block of Gladys Drive.

Captain Marty Sellers said Ricky Dale Adkins was critically injured and his sister, 43-year-old Christie Lynn Adkins, was killed after deputies opened fire during the encounter. Investigators have since obtained a manslaughter warrant against Ricky Adkins, alleging his actions led to his sister's death.

Sellers said deputies initially received information that Ricky Adkins was staying in a tent behind the residence and made contact with occupants after locating two tents in the backyard.

He then said deputies first spoke with Christie Adkins, who initially claimed only she and her dogs were inside the tent.

During the encounter, Sellers said deputies heard a male voice identify himself as the woman's boyfriend. When Christie Adkins eventually opened the tent, deputies observed a man in the background with his face covered.

Investigators said both Christie Adkins and the man provided false identities when questioned. Deputies then asked the man to remove the face covering.

"At that point, he drew a handgun from his waist and pointed it at the deputies," Sellers said.

Sellers said Ricky Adkins was standing behind his sister and pointed the weapon over her shoulder, which prompted deputies to respond by firing their service weapons.

Both siblings were struck by gunfire. Christie Adkins died from her injuries, while Ricky Adkins suffered what Sellers described as significant injuries.

Deputies immediately rendered aid and called for medical assistance before Ricky Adkins was transported to a hospital.

Sellers said investigators later determined the weapon was a pellet gun designed to resemble a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield handgun.

"It was completely indistinguishable from an actual firearm," Sellers said. "The deputies reacted appropriately with the force that was necessary at that time."

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit and supervisors not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office responded to conduct the investigation.

After reviewing witness statements and consulting with the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office, investigators concluded Adkins created the circumstances that resulted in his sister's death.

Sellers said Ricky Adkins remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive. He will be served with the manslaughter warrant upon his release from medical care.

The suspect was also wanted on other outstanding warrants, including a charge of certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and at least one misdemeanor warrant, Sellers said.

Three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, which Sellers said is standard procedure following officer-involved shootings.

The deputy-involved shooting portion of the case will be presented to the Tuscaloosa County grand jury after the investigation is completed.

Thursday's deadly incident is the first officer-involved shooting of the year and the second since October, when Patch reported that a man was killed by police at Bell Auto Parts in Northport after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit.

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