Updated: Opp police officers fired at subject

Opp Police Chief Mike McDonald said that patrol officers returned fire on an individual that refused officers’ orders to put his gun down earlier this afternoon.

The incident took place at the intersection of Highway 84 and Leon Wiggins Road.

McDonald said at approximately 2:30 p.m., OPD patrol officers responded to assist the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Covington County units with a two-vehicle crash on Highway 84 West that occurred between Babbie and Sanford.

“Upon arrival at the crash scene, witnesses advised the Opp officers that the vehicle operator of one of the involved vehicles left the scene fleeing on foot and was running westbound,” McDonald said. “Opp officers made contact with this male adult on the eastbound side of the four lane just east of Leon Road. The individual refused to remove his hands from his pants pocket. When he did, he produced a handgun and refused to comply with officers, and fired at the officers and then charged at the officers.

“The officers returned fire, striking the individual,” he aid. “Opp fire responded to the scene and rendered first aid to the individual who was then airlifted to a local hospital for treatment.”

McDonald said neither of the involved officers sustained injury.

“At the request of the Opp Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation is investigating this incident,” he said.

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Opp police officers and a Covington County Sheriff’s deputy were involved in a shooting at the intersection of Highway 84 West and Leon Wiggins Road this afternoon, officials said.

Opp Police Chief Mike McDonald confirmed the shooting took place.

“All I can say at this time is that Opp police officers and a Covington County Sheriff’s deputy were involved in a shooting at the intersection of Highway 84 West in Opp,” McDonald said. “The officer at this time is reported as uninjured and unhurt. One subject was injured and transported (via LifeFlight) to a local medical facility.”

McDonald said the Alabama Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.

The Star-News will update as more information becomes available.