Trooper shot; suspect dead

An Alabama state trooper who was shot at least two times Sunday following a traffic stop on Highway 41 north of Brewton in an incident that left one suspect dead and two others injured, during an exchange of gunfire, is expected to be released from a Pensacola hospital this week.

Trooper Captain Jeremy Alford was transported from the scene of the shooting with at least two gunshot wounds to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton by a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office and later transferred by helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.

The driver of the vehicle that opened fire on Alford was shot and killed by the trooper. The driver's name who died has not been released.

Two other occupants in the vehicle, Jana Arnold, 32, and Johndarous Chrishon Williams, 21, of Georgia were both injured, treated and released. Arnold and Williams are currently being held in the Escambia County Detention Center on fugitive of justice warrants. Charges in relation to the shooting of Trooper Alford had not been filed as of press time Wednesday.

According to reports released by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Corporal Alford attempted to make a traffic stop near the 101 mile marker in Conecuh County. The driver of the vehicle, who was later killed by gunfire, attempted to elude the officer and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued to the Brewton-Repton exit on Highway 41. Trooper Alford continued pursuit on Highway 41 toward Brewton.

Reports note the suspects' vehicle left the roadway and hit a fire hydrant near the intersection of Emmons Road. When Trooper Alford approached the vehicle the driver opened fire on the trooper and he returned fire.

The unidentified driver was pronounced dead at the scene and Arnold, who was in the front passenger seat, and Williams, who was in the backseat, were injured and transported to the hospital and later released.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor later released a statement that Trooper Alford was in good shape and would make a full recovery.

"After visiting with Cpl. Alford and his family this morning, I am extremely relieved and thankful to share that he is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery," Taylor stated Monday. Cpl. Alford acted with true courage and heroism over the course of the incident and was able to secure the scene and ensure public safely while injured."

"With nearly three decades in law enforcement, Cpl. Alford is a true professional and public servant dedicated to keeping the citizens of his local community and the state of Alabama safe," Taylor added. "I ask that you please continue to keep Cpl. Alford and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as we all look forward to a speedy recovery."

ALEA officials added that special agents with the State Bureau of Investigations are currently investigating the shooting.

ALEA officials noted that once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Escambia County District Attorney Steve Billy's office.