The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said a replica of a Beretta 9 mm handgun led to the shooting of a man by Opelika police.
Charles Winston, 75, of Opelika, was shot by police after investigators said he brandished what appeared to be a gun in front of an officer. Officers responded to a call Saturday in the 1300 block of South Long Street. When one of the officers encountered Winston, he fired shots, striking him.
"Upon further investigation, it was determined that the handgun was a full-sized replica of a Beretta 9mm semiautomatic handgun," said ALEA Captain Jeremy Burkett.
Winston was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where he received treatment and was then released to the Lee County Jail.
1819 News asked if the gun was real, and Burkett replied, "It is not what you would consider a normal firearm but simply one designed to look like one."
No officers were injured.
Findings of the investigation will be turned over to the Lee County District Attorney's Office.
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