In a recent incident involving an officer-involved shooting and an attempted bank robbery, the Florence Police Department issued a media release detailing the events that unfolded on Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 2:53 PM, officers from the Florence Police Department, along with deputies from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, were dispatched to PNC Bank located on Cox Creek Parkway. This response was prompted by reports of a male individual who had allegedly threatened to rob the bank.
Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel observed the suspect exiting the bank premises. This led to a vehicle pursuit as the suspect attempted to evade capture. The chase came to an end when the suspect’s vehicle collided with another vehicle on Highway 72, situated just east of County Road 323. Following the crash, the suspect exited his vehicle while armed with a firearm and approached the officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
During this confrontation, one officer sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and another individual was also injured. Tragically, the suspect was shot during the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene. As of the latest updates, both the injured officer and the other individual are reported to be in stable condition. The investigation into the matter has been handed over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which will oversee the proceedings moving forward.