The latest in the shooting death of a Moody police officer – Moody, Ala. (WIAT) –

June 3, 2020

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and the Moody Police Department have released new information in the shooting death of Moody Police Sgt. Stephen Williams.

A call came into dispatch for a disturbance at the Super 8 Motel and then it escalated, St. Clair County Sheriff Bill Murray said. Sgt. Williams arrived in a marked patrol car with light. He also had a training officer with him.

“I would say this incident began immediately on arrival to the scene. There was an immediate engagement and with that has made this investigation very broad and complex because of the size of it,” Sheriff Murray said.

A male and female were taken into custody Tuesday night at the Super 8 Motel. The two are from the Birmingham area. At this time, law enforcement is not releasing the charges for the two suspects.

Sheriff Murray tells CBS 42, there were numerous weapons involved in the incident Tuesday night.

“Sgt. Williams and all the surrounding officers that were responding were in a fight for their life when they arrived here,” Sheriff Murray said.

This investigation continues.

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MOODY, Ala. (WIAT) — A Moody police officer has been shot and killed Tuesday night, Moody Police Chief Thomas Hunt has confirmed.

Sgt. Stephen Williams is the officer identified in this shooting. It happened around 9 p.m. at the Super 8 Motel, Chief Hunt reports. At this time, authorities are not releasing details as far as the motive or what the initial call was for when Sgt. Williams reported to the motel.

Authorities have one man and a woman in custody. Their names have not been revealed at this time.

During the investigation, CBS 42 reporter Malique Rankin heard loud banging noises at the scene. Hunt said the sound was most likely tear gas being thrown inside the motel room to make sure all possible suspects were out.

Williams, a nightside sergeant, was a 23-year veteran and worked three years with the Moody Police Department. Prior to his time in Moody, Williams served with the Bessemer Police Department.

“Oh, he was awesome,” Hunt said, adding Williams was a good man, a funny man to be around and not long ago he won officer of the year among their department.

Hunt said many of the police officers in their department looked up to him as a teacher and mentor.

Williams is the second Alabama police officer killed in the line of duty for 2020. On Feb. 5, Ofc. Nick O’Rear with the Kimberly Police Department during a police pursuit.

Since Williams’ death, many law enforcement agencies have expressed their condolences for his loss. The Calhoun County 911 made a Facebook post that said, “Our prayers for the Moody Police Officer shot tonight.” And Gardendale Police made a Facebook post that said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Moody Police Department.”

U.S. Attorney Jay Town released a statement following the death of Williams.

Moody Police Sergeant Stephen Williams’ end of watch has come much too soon.  Our condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow officers.  His loss is a loss for all of Alabama.  This serves as yet another heartbreaking and stark reminder of the perils encountered by law enforcement each day.”

U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town

WATCH

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