Crime & Safety
Suspect Charged After Officer-Involved Shooting In Tuscaloosa
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has announced charges in connection to an officer-involved shooting earlier this month.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has provided an update on an officer-involved shooting that injured a 29-year-old South Carolina man earlier this month at Bent Tree Apartments.
Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts
Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the multi-agency unit, said around 2 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 17, a Tuscaloosa Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle for driving recklessly.
Find out what's happening in Tuscaloosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He went on to say the driver — identified as William Baxter Gilstrap — had previously been reported to the police after being physically removed Harry’s Bar when he attempted to start a fight.
Gilstrap refused to stop and drove a short distance to Bent Tree Apartments, where Kennedy said he exited and entered his apartment.
Find out what's happening in Tuscaloosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As TPD officers attempted to make contact with Gilstrap, two other roommates exited and told police that an erratic Gilstrap was armed with a rifle and a pistol.
"Officers then heard several gunshots fired from inside the apartment and set up a perimeter," Kennedy said in a press release Tuesday. "TPD began activating its Special Response Team. The subject then opened the door to the apartment armed with a rifle (AR-15) pointed it at an officer. Several officers fired at the suspect, striking him multiple times."
Gilstrap was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center in critical condition and has been receiving medical treatment for the last week. Kennedy said he has been charged with attempting to elude police and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied building.
His combined bond is set at $36,000 and more charges could be forthcoming when the case is presented to a grand jury, Kennedy said.
As Patch previously reported, eight TPD officers were put on administrative leave following the shooting. Standard protocols dictate that no investigators affiliated with the department have been involved in the investigation.
Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
