CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker on Monday said he has determined an officer-involved shooting that took place July 19, 2025, was justified.
The shooting happened while two Cullman County Sheriff’s Office deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect at a house in the Bethel community that Saturday.
That day, the CCSO said in a statement: “Earlier today, deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) attempted to serve a warrant in the Bethel community. Upon making contact, the suspect was found to be armed with a firearm. Following a brief verbal exchange, gunfire was exchanged, and the suspect was struck. Deputies immediately rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The suspect was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.”
On Monday, Aug. 4, Crocker said, “The homeowner directed the deputies to the basement, which was accessible through an outside door. Deputies announced their presence and made entry to the basement. After a brief search, the deputies located the suspect, who had enclosed himself behind a door in the basement. Deputies told the suspect there was an arrest warrant and directed him to open the door. The suspect resisted, and announced that he had a gun and would protect himself. As deputies made entry through the door, the suspect brandished a shotgun. Deputies fired at the suspect, resulting in him being struck by one round.”
Crocker said that after reviewing all available evidence, including the deputies’ body camera footage, “I have determined that this was a justified shooting. These deputies were carrying out a law enforcement function by serving a warrant and while doing so, they were faced with a deadly threat. The suspect’s shotgun was loaded with buckshot and the suspect displayed every intention of shooting at the deputies. Not only was this a justified shooting, the deputies involved did exactly what they were trained to do when facing this type of danger which later included administering lifesaving first aid to the suspect. I plan to present this matter to a Grand Jury, to whom I will recommend confirmation of this decision.”
The identities of the deputies and the man who was shot have not been released.
