From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA — Police departments from across Alabama, and others from out of state, joined together for the funeral of Tuscaloosa Police Officer Dornell Cousette.
The Celebration of Life ceremony, honoring the 40-year-old father of two, included speeches from Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steve Anderson and interim Chief Mitt Tubbs.
Cousette worked in youth services for TPD.
The shooting occurred near 17th Street and 33rd Avenue in the West End area after Officer Cousette received a call at 6:23 p.m. that a suspect was at a home there. When Cousette arrived at the home, the suspect fled into the house and Cousette followed. Assistant Police Chief Mitt Tubbs said the only person on the scene, other than the suspect, was a bail bondsman. Sometime after entering the home, Cousette was shot in the head. The officer was rushed to DCH Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect was also shot and was taken into custody.