ALEA: Active manhunt underway in south Alabama for armed and extremely dangerous man
UPDATE: “On Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. during the course of the manhunt, officers with the Opp Police Department along with an ALEA Special Agent encountered Matthews on the front porch of a home located on Childre Court in Opp within Covington County. During the course of the encounter, while brandishing a firearm, Matthews attempted to flee, causing the officers and Special Agent to fire and shoot Matthews. Matthews was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene.” — ALEA.
UPDATE: According to Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman, the manhunt in Opp has concluded. “Please pray for those involved,” Turman said.
We expect more details as the investigation continues.
An active manhunt is underway in south Alabama following an officer-involved shooting.
The incident began during the early morning hours of Friday, December 19, 2025, when officers in Opp, Alabama, located inside Covington County, responded to a call for service involving an individual armed with a gun near the intersection of Pond Drive and Barnes Street.
Image: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
When officers and a trooper with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency arrived, the individual, now identified as Amos L. Matthews, 51, of Opp, brandished a firearm, causing officers to fire at Matthews. Matthews fled the scene into a nearby wooded area and an active manhunt is currently underway.
ALEA SBI Special Agents, ALEA Highway Patrol Troopers, ALEA’s Aviation Unit, officers with Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, officers with Opp Police Department and deputies with Covington County Sheriff’s Office are all currently involved in the manhunt.
Matthews is considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances, according to state law enforcement. If you see Matthews or have any information concerning his location, please contact the Opp Police Department at 334-493-4511.
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