Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced immediate changes to the city’s police policies and procedures after a deadly officer-involved shooting early Monday.
A 16-year-old was shot and killed around 5:37 a.m. Monday as police executed a narcotics and SWAT “knock-and-announced” search warrant. The incident happened in the 3400 block of Sheringham Drive.
“Upon entering the premises, officers were met by a 16-year-old male occupant who was armed with a laser-sighted handgun and was pointing it at them,” police stated. “The officer discharged his weapon, striking the occupant. The occupant was subsequently transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.”
The Mobile Police Department’s Criminal Investigation unit is looking into the shooting, and the Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an administrative review. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.
Meanwhile, Stimpson said he is seeking answers to many questions.
“I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the 16-year-old who lost his life during the execution of a search warrant by Mobile Police officers early this morning,” Stimpson said. “I have unanswered questions about the events leading up to this tragic outcome, and I am taking immediate steps to get those answers.”
Stimpson ordered an immediate ban on pre-dawn search warrants except for cases where needed to protect human life. He also requested a review of the police department’s policy, procedures and training by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama Kenyen Brown.
“His work will include a review of prior incidences of police use of force and full access to all evidence, including body camera footage,” Stimpson explained. “Following this review, he will issue a report of his findings and recommendations within 90 days. This report will be made available to the public.”
The Mobile Police Department was also involved in an October 2 officer-involved shooting in which a 24-year-old man was killed. Another officer is on administrative leave after an October 16 incident showing an officer punching a man in handcuffs.
In another case, the family of Jawan Dallas has been asking the city of Mobile for body cam footage of his July 2 arrest after he died while in custody.
Mobile Police have openly responded to each incident with an investigation and some information.
In the case of Dallas, police said he tried to take a Taser from the officer, and a struggle ensued. Dallas had difficulty breathing due to asthma and was taken to the hospital, where he died.
Police said the officer caught on camera striking a man in handcuffs was reacting to the man injuring the officer by grabbing and squeezing his testicles.
Investigators said the 24-year-old man shot and killed on October 2 pointed a shotgun at police.
Stimpson and Chief Paul Prine have said they will be as transparent as possible throughout investigations.
“In looking back over the last ten years, the progress made in the area of public safety was the result of building trust between the community, our police officers, and my administration,” Stimpson said. “We recognize that maintaining this trust is our greatest tool for keeping the City of Mobile safe. We will compassionately respond to this tragedy as we continue to nurture those relationships.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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