Tuesday afternoon turned into a nightmare for one volunteer firefighter in North Alabama.
Grace McClusky of Center Star Fire was driving home when she saw what she thought was a motor vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 72, just east of Lauderdale County Road 323. However, that was not the case.
The driver of the vehicle was a bank robbery suspect whom the Florence Police Department was chasing. After the vehicle crashed, the suspect fled on foot and tried to steal the vehicle McClusky was in.
That's when the suspect became engaged in a shootout with police. As McClusky was trying to help, she was shot in the crossfire.
"Without hesitation, she acted in accordance with her training, prioritizing the well-being of those in need," Center Star Fire posted on Facebook. "Tragically, in the course of her response, she was shot—an unimaginable consequence for simply doing what she has dedicated her life to: helping others."
McClusky survived and is now recovering at home.
"Her strength and resilience serve as a testament to her character, and we are confident that she will make a full recovery," the fire department added.
An officer was also shot in the shoulder.
The suspect, Louis Michael Hill, 26, of Rogersville, was also shot and pronounced deceased on the scene.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating.
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