From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
SCOTTSBORO — The man who was shot inside the Jackson County Courthouse on Wednesday has been identified by authorities as 72-year-old Fred Swearengin.
News outlets reported Thursday that Jackson County sheriff’s officials say Swearengin had a handgun and four magazines containing bullets when he was shot.
Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen says Swearengin refused to surrender his weapon. He says the man drew his gun and was shot by a deputy who was working at a security checkpoint.
Harnen says it’s unclear what if anything Swearengin planned to do. Records don’t show any current cases involving him in state court.
The man was taken to a hospital in Huntsville for treatment, but authorities haven’t released his condition.
