BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. – On Tuesday, March 24, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported that on Thursday, March 19, at approximately 8:30 a.m. Special Agents with ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an officer-involved shooting investigation involving a deputy with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred when a deputy with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service regarding a domestic violence situation located at a residence on Beaver Trail in Warrior, located within Blount County. As the deputy arrived at the scene, the deputy noticed an individual fleeing the residence traveling on Mountain Lake Road.
The suspect, later identified as Ricky O’Neil Beck Jr., 43, of Warrior, allegedly brandished a firearm while simultaneously striking the Deputy’s patrol vehicle with his vehicle. The deputy discharged his weapon; however, Beck fled the scene and a manhunt ensued. Beck was located a short time later in a wooded area with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The victim of the domestic violence incident, identified as Shelby Amidon, 29, of Warrior, was found deceased at the residence.
No officers were injured over the course of the incident.
Nothing further is available as the investigation remains ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Blount County District Attorney’s Office.
