An illegal alien rape suspect from Guatemala died after opening fire and injuring one Lee County Sheriff's deputy in Loachapoka on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:36 p.m. when deputies with the Lee County Sheriff's Office were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for first-degree rape at a residence in the 900 Block of County Road 188 in Loachapoka. The suspect, later identified as Wilder Cobon Gomez, 36, a Guatemalan national, fired at deputies, striking one in the arm. As a result, one of the deputies returned fire, fatally wounding Gomez. The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Gomez was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) for an autopsy.
An ALEA spokesperson confirmed to 1819 News on Friday that Gomez was an illegal alien.
ALEA secretary Hal Taylor said in a statement on Thursday, "Violence is never the answer. However, this marks the second law enforcement officer in Alabama this month who has been shot while carrying out his oath to protect and serve."
"Incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the danger law enforcement faces each day and underscores the importance of respect and support for those who wear the badge. We are grateful the Deputy is expected to make a full recovery and continue to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers," Taylor added.
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