Attempted traffic stop in Ozark leads to shooting

On Sunday, Nov. 7, at approximately 11:13 a.m. an Ozark Police Officer attempted a traffic stop for a traffic violation on West Roy Parker Road near Van Heusen Drive in Ozark.

Dale County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Mason Bynum said the suspect’s vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit the vehicle traveled at excessive speeds and into oncoming traffic. As the pursuit continued on Highway 231 North Ozark, police requested assistance from the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.

Bynum said a Dale County deputy was able to perform a pursuit immobilization technique on the suspect vehicle on Highway 231 North near Sam Lisenby Road. “The suspect was able to regain control of his vehicle and continue northbound,” he added. “A second PIT was performed by the deputy near the intersection of Highway 231 North and Jernigan Road.”

Bynum said that as officers and the deputy attempted to take the suspect into custody the suspect attempted to flee again and shots were fired from the officer and deputy. A female occupant was able to exit the vehicle as the suspect attempted to flee once again.

The suspect, Dylan Gentry, 26, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was taken into custody and transported to Dale Medical Center for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds. “He has since been discharged and transported to the Dale County Jail and booked on multiple felony warrants out of the state of Florida,” Bynum said.

As customary in an officer involved shooting, Ozark Police Chief Charles Ward and Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson have requested the Alabama State Bureau of Investigations take over the investigation.

All further information will be released from the State Bureau of Investigations.