PRESS RELEASE

Shooting Investigation

Wednesday October 23, 2024

ETOWAH COUNTY, AL - At the request of the Sardis City Police Department, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in unincorporated Etowah County. Sheriff Jonathon Horton confirmed that the incident resulted in the death of one male subject. No officers were injured.

Preliminary reports indicate that around 7:30AM on October 23, 2024, an officer with the Sardis Police Department responded to a possible disturbance near Sardis Middle School car rider drop off line involving a male subject. Upon making contact, the subject fled the scene in a vehicle, leading the Sardis officer on a pursuit through multiple roadways. The chase ended on a driveway off Lawson Gap Road, where the subject exited the vehicle, an altercation occurred and shots were exchanged between the subject and an officer.

Despite immediate life-saving efforts by officers and medical personnel, the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The incident at Sardis Middle School caused no injuries, disruptions, or danger to any students or staff. The incident transpired in the parking lot area of the school. School activities continued as normal.

The Etowah County Sheriff's Office and the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensic Science will conduct an independent investigation. Once completed, the findings will be submitted to the Etowah County District Attorney's Office for review.

No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.