One dead in Dale County after deputy-involved shooting

One person is dead after an early morning shooting in Dale County March 5.

Dale County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Mason Bynum said the name of the deceased will be released by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation after notification of the family.

Bynum said that at approximately 20 minutes after midnight a Dale County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Main Street in Ariton. “During the stop the deputy attempted to take the driver in to custody for an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. The suspect refused to comply and a pursuit ensued.”

Bynum said the pursuit continued north on Highway 123 to the intersection of Highway 231 where the suspect lost control as he entered the intersection. “As the deputy approached, the suspect produced a handgun and the deputy engaged the suspect with deadly force.

“The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. As standard with any officer involved shooting we have requested the Alabama State Bureau of Investigations to take over the investigation for a comprehensive review,” Bynum said. “As per Dale County Sheriff’s Office policy the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.”

Bynum said this is an ongoing investigation and any further comment is directed to SBI.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Ozark Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Highway Patrol, Ariton Fire and Rescue, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Emergency Department of Dale Medical Center, he said.