ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor speaks after Lee County deputy shot serving warrant
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor is speaking out after a Lee County deputy was shot while serving an arrest warrant Wednesday evening in the Loachapoka area.
In a statement released Thursday, Taylor said the incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties.
“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,” Taylor said. “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.”
The shooting happened around 5:34 p.m. Wednesday at a home in the 900 block of Lee Road 188 as deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve a warrant for first-degree rape.
According to investigators, deputies were met with gunfire from the suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Wilder Cobon Gomez. One deputy was struck in the arm during the exchange.
Authorities said a deputy returned fire, fatally wounding Gomez. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton.
The injured deputy was first taken to a local hospital before being flown to UAB Hospital for further treatment. Officials have said he is expected to recover.
Earlier Wednesday, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said the case began after a student reported to a school resource officer at Loachapoka School that she had been held against her will and sexually assaulted multiple times over several days. Investigators said they developed probable cause and obtained the warrant before going to the home.
Because the shooting involved law enforcement, ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation. Once complete, the case file will be turned over to the Lee County District Attorney’s Office for review.
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