Man Wanted on Sex Offender Registry Warrant Dies by Suicide After Shots Fired at Mobile Officers in Tillman’s Corner
Mobile police say a driver wanted on felony warrants got out of his car during a Wednesday traffic stop and fired at officers, who returned fire, before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
MOBILE, Ala. — A man wanted on felony warrants died by suicide Wednesday afternoon during a traffic stop in Tillman’s Corner that turned into an exchange of gunfire with Mobile police officers, the Mobile Police Department said.
According to a department news release, officers tried to stop a vehicle at about 3:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the 4600 block of Schimpfs Lane. Police said the male driver was wanted on active felony warrants for a violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act, known as SORNA, and for probation revocation in reference to displaying obscene matter to a minor. Police said he was also wanted in connection with other recent violent crimes. The department did not describe those crimes.
What police say happened
During the stop, police said, the driver got out of the vehicle and produced a firearm. The man and at least two officers fired shots. Police have not said whether anyone was struck by the gunfire other than the man’s fatal wound, and the department has not released details such as how many shots were fired or whether any officers were hurt. Police said the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The department is not releasing the man’s name at this time. Police said the investigation is active and no further information was available Wednesday evening.
Background on the warrants
SORNA is the name commonly used in Alabama for the state’s sex offender registration and notification law, which requires people convicted of covered offenses to register and keep their information current with law enforcement. Under the state code, failing to provide the required registration information is a Class C felony, according to the Alabama Legislature’s online code. The warrants described by police are allegations that had not been resolved in court, and police did not release the underlying court record.
Officer-involved shootings in Alabama are often reviewed by outside investigators. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation says it conducts investigations and provides assistance in officer-involved shootings upon request. Mobile police did not say Wednesday which agency, if any, is assisting with this case.
South AL News will update this report when police identify the man or release more information.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
