Suspect shot dead after allegedly injuring police officer in Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (WIAT) – A man is dead following an overnight shooting involving a police officer.

Sergeant Josh Hastings of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division said police responded to a trespassing call at Whataburger on McFarland Boulevard around 1:30 a.m. The call was in reference to a white male suspect he identified as Joseph Driver.

Hastings said the suspect pulled out a knife and slashed one of the officers in the hand. The two officers then shot the suspect, killing him, he said.

“It’s hard to know what’s going on in their heads,” Hastings said. “Everyone reacts differently to certain situations. From a law enforcement perspective, when confronted with deadly force, it’s justified to respond with deadly force.”

The two Tuscaloosa police officers are on leave according to police protocol.

Stay tuned as this story continues to develop.