Suspect Accused Of Child Sexual Abuse Ends Life During Standoff Monday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit says a man killed himself Monday when Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a call alleging that the man had sexually abused a child.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multiagency unit, told local media Wednesday afternoon that at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday, deputies were called to a residence in the area of Whispering Lane in Cottondale.

He said a family member reported that another family member had made criminal sexual contact with children who resided with them.

"While awaiting investigators, deputies made contact with the suspect in the backyard of his residence," Kennedy said. "The suspect was armed with a pistol, and began making threats of suicide, and of wanting law enforcement to kill him. Deputies established a tight perimeter and contained the suspect. All nearby civilians were moved for safety. Multiple other units arrived to assist, and this resulted in the large police presence."

Kennedy explained that the suspect refused to disarm himself, which prompted a TCSO negotiator to speak with him for several hours. However, Kennedy said the suspect chose to shoot himself with his own firearm.

"No sheriff’s office personnel fired a weapon or used force against the suspect at any time," he said. "TCSO deputy paramedics were on scene and rendered immediate medical assistance. The suspect was critically injured and was transported to DCH, but passed away several hours later."

He then said the unit's Sexual Assault Section will continue the investigation into the alleged sexual abuse/assault, and, along with The Alabama Department of Human Resources, The Children Center, and other partners, who will provide assistance and support to the victims and family.

The suspect has not been publicly identified at this time.

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