From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
HOOVER — Police in Hoover said in a statement released Friday night that the 21-year-old man, now identified as Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, who was shot and killed by an officer at the Riverchase Galleria, was likely not the shooter who wounded an 18-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl.
“New evidence now suggests that while Mr. Bradford may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that injured the 18-year-old victim,” according to a statement released by police.
Originally, Captain Greg Rector said Bradford shot the 18-year-old in front of Footaction, wounding him seriously. Bradford then fled the scene, where he was engaged by a police officer who was rushing toward the shots. The officer shot and killed Bradford who was armed with a handgun.
“The 21-year-old male (Braford) who was fleeing the shooting scene while brandishing a handgun, was engaged, shot and killed by a uniformed Hoover police officer,” according to the statement.
Police now say further investigation has brought forth evidence that indicates a third person was involved in the alteration. That third person likely fired the shots that struck the 18-year-old man and the 12-year-old girl. That suspect is still at large, police said.
“We regret that our initial media release was not completely accurate, but new evidence indicates that it was not,” Rector said. “We remain committed to maintaining the integrity of this investigation, helping to determine the facts involved, and assisting ALEA in their effort (to investigate).”
Police are also investigating a gun found in the Santa’s Village area when the mall reopened this morning. It is not known if that weapon was related to Thursday night’s shooting.
After last night’s shooting at the Galleria, @HooverPD confirm they’ve recovered a gun left in Santa’s Village. @CityofHoover @WBRCnews @WBRCgoodday pic.twitter.com/b13DY8izUB
— Bakari Savage (@BakariSavage) November 23, 2018