Officer dies after him and another shot in the line of duty

MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – An Alabama police officer who was shot dead in a recent confrontation with a gunman who also injured another officer died of his injuries on Saturday, his department said.

Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner, 40, died at Huntsville hospital where he was taken after Friday’s shooting, Police Chief Ricky Terry said.

“We would like to thank the community and everyone who prayed for Sgt. Risner, his family and the Sheffield Police Department during this time, ”Terry said in a statement.

Authorities said at a press conference on Friday evening that the officers were shot after the events that began when Brian Lansing Martin, 41, of Sheffield, shot dead and pushed an individual out of a vehicle in Muscle Shoals in Northwestern Alabama. This person has not been publicly identified, pending notification of the next of kin.

After abandoning his victim, Martin stole another vehicle, authorities said. Sheffield Police said their officers spotted the vehicle and pursued Martin in Muscle Shoals, behind a Walmart. There, Martin and law enforcement officers from several agencies exchanged gunfire, police said.

During the confrontation, Risner and Sheffield Police Lt. Max Dotson were shot dead. But Dotson was protected from serious injury by his vest and was treated and released from a hospital.

Risner was hit by the windshield of his vehicle.

Martin was also shot dead. He is registered in stable condition at the Huntsville hospital. Charges against Martin have yet to be filed.

Martin had previously served a manslaughter sentence in the death of his father in 2011. In this case, Martin pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2013 to 10 years. Records show it was released in 2016.

Terry lamented the officer’s death, saying it shouldn’t have happened.

“The court system has failed not only Sgt. Risner, but his family and all those affected by his passing, ”said Terry. “This incident should never have happened, because a coward who should still be in jail was walking the streets. Losing an officer in the line of duty is a tragedy and there are simply not enough words to express how saddened we are. “

Risner served nine years with the Sheffield Police Department as a K-9 officer. He also served in the US Army Reserve for eight years. He is the second Alabama police officer to come under hostile fire this year and at least the third to be shot while on duty in less than 24 hours this week. On Thursday, a police officer investigating drug sales in Warrior, Ala., Was hospitalized in stable condition after being shot several times.

Risner is survived by his parents and a daughter.

“Sergeant Risner did a heroic deed in protecting the community of Shoals from the gunman entering the parking lot at Walmart. If the shooter had entered the parking lot at Walmart, it is not known how many lives would have been in danger, ”said Terry.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said Risner was a hero who was senselessly killed.

“We often take the safety of our neighborhoods and communities for granted as – every minute of every day – heroes who have sworn to protect and serve us venture down the path of danger,” said Marshall. “Sergeant Risner was such a hero. We live our lives in safety thanks to the bravery and commitment of men like Sergeant Risner.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey ordered the flags to be half-masted on the day of Risner’s internment.

“We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, fellow officers and community,” Ivey said in the directive. “We also pray for the safety of all of our men and women responsible for enforcing the laws that put their lives at risk every day to ensure the protection of our communities.”