*We’ve got an update on that so-called “Black Friday Shooting” in Alabama on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day and it’s one that doesn’t make the the local police look too good.
According to WBRC-TV, Hoover, Alabama police say Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr., the 21-year-old man that one of their officers shot and killed at Riverchase Galleria, “likely did not fire the rounds” that injured an 18-year-old man and struck a 12-year-old girl.
Hoover police say investigators believe that more than two individuals were involved in the initial altercation, including 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. of Hueytown. However, new evidence indicates that Bradford Jr. did not fire the shots that injured two people.
This new information indicates at least one gunman who is responsible for the shooting is still at-large.
According to Hoover police, Bradford who was fleeing the scene while while holding a handgun, was shot and killed by a uniformed Hoover police officer. Bradford was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:11 p.m., police say.
This new information comes after Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office investigators and crime scene technicians interviewed numerous individuals and examined several critical items of evidence. Below, WBRC’s Jamiese Price breaks it down for you.
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As far as the actual incident, Hoover police say the shooting occurred around 9:30pm on Thursday evening and was the result of a physical alternation involving two adults near a Footaction store.
The now-unknown gunman shot an 18-year-old male twice and a 12-year-old female was struck, though it is unclear when it occurred.
Hoover police released the following statement:
“We regret that our initial media release was not totally accurate, but new evidence indicates that it was not. We remain committed to maintaining the integrity of this investigation, helping determine the facts involved, and assisting ALEA in their efforts. We encourage anyone with information, photos or video evidence of this crime scene to please contact ALEA investigators. If you wish to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward you may contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-254-7777.”
According to police the 18-year-old victim is at UAB with serious injuries and the 12-year-old female is being treated at Children’s and in stable condition. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation into the shooting.
The mall reopened at 6am Friday. Meanwhile, police recovered a gun left in Santa’s Village after the reopening. They are investigating the firearm.
Developing …
