Crime & Safety
Woman Critically Injured In Buhl Shooting; Suspect Charged
A woman is in critical condition after being shot during a party in Buhl Sunday.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — A 21-year-old man has been charged with first-degree assault after the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said a woman was critically injured in a weekend shooting in Buhl.
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Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Commander Captain Jack Kennedy told local media Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched Sunday at approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday to the 10000 block of Sam Jones Road in Buhl, as well as to DCH Regional Medical Center, in reference to a shooting involving a female victim.
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Investigators said the woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head and remains in critical condition.
Kennedy then said deputies located all involved parties and requested assistance from the Violent Crimes Unit, which assumed the investigation. Investigators then interviewed witnesses and processed the scene for physical evidence.
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Kennedy went on to say the suspect and victim had been attending a small gathering where alcohol was being consumed and firearms were being fired recreationally.
Witnesses told investigators the suspect had allegedly been acting recklessly throughout the evening by “pulling” a pistol in a playful manner at times.
Investigators said the suspect told authorities he believed the firearm was unloaded when the shooting occurred and claimed he “accidentally” shot the victim.
Witnesses reportedly told investigators there had been no argument or altercation before the shooting and that they did not believe the suspect intended to shoot the victim.
However, Kennedy said the suspect’s actions were reckless enough to warrant criminal charges because they resulted in serious physical injury.
The suspect was identified as Jovany Hernandez, 21, who was charged with first-degree assault and booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond.
Investigators said the charges could be upgraded if the victim does not survive her injuries.
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