Armed Decatur man shot by police in yard, dies

(Decatur Police Department Facebook)

DECATUR – An armed Decatur man died this morning after being shot by Decatur police.

According to a news release, at approximately 1:30 a.m. today, officers were dispatched to a local towing company in reference to a man with a gun call.

Officers contacted the tow truck driver who had attempted to repossess a vehicle from the 3900 block of Ryan Drive. During the initial interaction, the homeowner pulled a handgun on the tow truck driver, who fled, police said.

Officers then went to the home with the tow truck driver. At this point, police said, the homeowner came out armed with a handgun and began to threaten the tow truck driver.

He was ordered by police to drop his weapon, which he refused to do. It was at this time, police said, the homeowner turned the gun toward one of the officers. The officer fired at the man, hitting him.

The officers called for medical assistance and began to render first aid. The subject was transported to Huntsville Hospital where he died from his injuries.

No officers were injured during the incident. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the incident.

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