O.J. French Shooting: Bay Minette Officer’s Name Withheld as Major Crimes Unit Investigates

BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Officials in Bay Minette have declined to release the name of the police officer in the O.J. French shooting while the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit investigates the death of Otis “O.J.” French.

Footage and name withheld

Lt. Andre Reid of the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit said body camera footage of the incident will not be released during the investigation and that the officer will not be named in order to “respect privacy.” Reid said the Bay Minette Police Department can decide whether to release footage when the case is concluded.

An Alabama Supreme Court ruling last summer effectively removed the ability of the media and the public to sue for access to police body camera footage.

The city, the police department and the Major Crimes Unit have all declined to release the officer’s name. Calls seeking the officer’s identity from law enforcement officials, Bay Minette City Council members and Mayor Bob Wills were either hung up on or answered with statements that the information could not be provided.

According to reports, the officer has been reinstated and is working.

Community response

French’s family, friends and members of the community have demanded answers since his death. Bay Minette residents have formed a community group, the Bay Minette Justice League, in response to the shooting.