TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say a Tuscaloosa police officer has died and the wanted felon he was pursuing is in custody after a shootout.
Al.com reports 40-year-old officer Dornell Cousette had come to arrest a man who failed to appear in court on felony warrants. A bail bondsman was at the scene. The suspect ran inside a house instead and Cousette pursued him. Tuscaloosa Interim Police Chief Mitt Tubbs said shots were fired, fatally wounding the officer.
The 20-year-old suspect, also wounded, fled and was arrested at a hospital. His identity and the extent of his injuries were not immediately released.
Cousette was an Army veteran who had been with the police department for 13 years. He was engaged and had two daughters.
“And tonight one of our heroes has died in the line of duty, protecting our city,” said Mayor Walt Maddox.
“It is my sad and solemn duty to announce the passing of Dornell Cousette, age 40, thirteen plus year veteran of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, a father of two daughters and engaged to be married.”
Read more from Carol Robinson HERE.