Police Identify Suspect Accused Of Shooting TPD Officer Monday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has identified the suspect accused of shooting a Tuscaloosa Police officer in the bulletproof vest during a foot chase at The Links Monday afternoon off of Highway 69 South.

Unit Commander Capt. Jack Kennedy said Devonte Lavon Farmer, 20, has been charged with three counts of attempt murder and is currently in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with bond set at $300,000. During the incident, Farmer reportedly exchanged gunfire with police and suffered a non-lethal gunshot wound to the hand.

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Both officers injured in the incident were treated at DCH Regional Medical Center and released before 7 p.m. Monday, with the officer shot in the bulletproof vest suffering only bruised ribs. Citing department protocol, all three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation.

The other officer injured, according to Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley, was backing up returning fire when she fell and broke her wrist in multiple places.

"He has no criminal record in Alabama, but is currently wanted for assault with a deadly weapon warrants from Noxubee County, Mississippi," Kennedy said. "In addition to these warrants from Noxubee County, investigators have also learned that Farmer is a possible suspect in shootings in several other different jurisdictions in Mississippi."

He then said investigators are currently working with these law enforcement agencies in Mississippi to share information.

Those with information as to Farmer's location or prior activities in or about the Tuscaloosa area prior to yesterday are asked to call the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690.