Suspect Charged After Tuscaloosa Pursuit Ends In Crash, Officer-Involved Shooting

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa man is behind bars without bond, accused of domestic violence, leading police on a vehicle pursuit and exchanging gunfire with officers.

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Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Commander Captain Jack Kennedy told local media on Wednesday that on Tuesday night, the Tuscaloosa Police Department was called to the same residence multiple times in relation to domestic violence and other crimes.

Kennedy said at approximately 7:34 p.m., the victim contacted the Tuscaloosa Police Department, who responded and took a report for domestic violence burglary, where the victim stated that Jamarcus Garrett, 33, arrived at her home, forced his way inside, and got into an argument with her.

The victim told officers Garrett was armed with a handgun at that time, before demanding and taking the keys to her residence and leaving in a silver Dodge Avenger.

"The victim had been romantically involved with Garrett but had since broken up with him," Kennedy said. "The victim had filed an application for Protection from Abuse against Garrett, and the court date was pending."

Later on Tuesday night, at approximately 9:31 p.m., the victim and witnesses heard shots being fired near their residence and spotted a silver Dodge Avenger on the street.

This prompted the victim to call TPD once again, with officers responding and taking another report.

"The victim did not realize at the time but discovered later that her car had been struck
multiple times by gunfire during this incident," Kennedy said. "Due to seeing the vehicle, Garrett was suspected as the shooter. The victim left her residence at this time for safety, and TPD began patrolling and searching for the suspect."

Just before midnight, Kennedy said the victim’s neighbors called and reported that the victim’s residence was on fire. This prompted a response from TPD and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, which found fire damage to the residence.

What's more, Kennedy explained items were found on scene that led to the belief that the fire was the result of arson. All indications led investigators to believe Garrett was the suspect.

Then, at approximately 11:54 p.m., Kennedy said the silver Dodge Avenger occupied by Garrett was spotted by TPD patrol, who attempted to stop it.

"The suspect fled at high rate of speed, at times over 100 mph, resulting in a police pursuit," Kennedy said. "Garrett began firing a handgun at officers during the pursuit. Two different police vehicles were struck by gunfire from Garrett."

As the chase intensified, Garrett crashed into two private vehicles at the intersection of McFarland Boulevard and 15th Street as they sat waiting at the red light.

Kennedy said after striking the unrelated two vehicles, Garrett crashed into several power poles
and came to a stop. Fortunately, none of the occupants of the other two vehicles were injured.

Kennedy mentioned that the crash occurred at approximately 12:03 a.m. along Veterans Memorial Parkway near University Mall.

The night's action was far from over, however, as Garrett fired a round from his handgun as TPD officers attempted to secure and approach Garrett’s vehicle.

This resulted in one TPD officer immediately returning one round before the officers took cover and began issuing commands. However, Garrett refused to exit the vehicle and could be seen moving about inside.

TPD then reportedly activated its Special Response Team and Garrett was eventually
removed from the vehicle.

"He was found to have a gunshot wound to his neck area," Kennedy said. "He was transported and is being treated in a secure medical facility and is in stable condition at this time. No law enforcement officers were injured."

Kennedy said the investigation by the multiagency task force is being conducted by personnel not affiliated with TPD, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings involving an officer associated with any of the agencies that make up the unit.

"Whether or not Garrett’s gunshot injuries were self-inflicted, or a result of the officer defending himself is still under investigation," Kennedy said. "Although some charges have been obtained today, more charges are still under investigation and are likely."

He then said after processing multiple crimes scenes, interviewing multiple witnesses, and recovering a large amount of other evidence, Garrett has been charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, first degree robbery and first degree burglary-domestic violence.

While he was given a cash bond of $2 million for the two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, his bond was denied on the other charges due to Aniah's Law.

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