Man shot by Opelika police was armed with replica firearm, SBI announces
State officials has announced new details in an officer-involved shooting in Opelika.
The officer-involved shooting occurred after officers encountered a suspect believed to be armed with a handgun while responding to a domestic violence incident in the 1300 block of South Long Street. One of the responding officers discharged their weapon, striking the suspect.
State officials with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed the suspect as 75-year-old Charles Winston, of Opelika. “Further investigation revealed that the weapon in Winston’s possession was a full-sized replica of a Beretta 9mm semiautomatic handgun, not a real firearm,” authorities added.
Winston was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released. He was subsequently booked into the Lee County Jail.
No officers were injured during the encounter and the investigation by ALEA’s SBI remains ongoing.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
Domestic incident leads to officer-involving shooting in Opelika, police confirm
Man arrested following domestic incident, officer-involved shooting in Opelika
Related stories
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
Crime & SafetyOpelika man killed in Chambers County shooting; suspect charged with murder
Crime & SafetyOpelika man arrested after shooting into occupied vehicle, bullet strikes headrest near child
Crime & SafetyBREAKING: Man charged with armed robbery, kidnapping after incident involving 13-year-old at Peachtree Mall
Crime & SafetyLaGrange College student charged with armed robbery after gun incident on campus