A man killed in the Alabama Mall in a shootout "probably did not fire," police said

A 21-year-old man shot by Hoover police during the Thanksgiving evening at Riverchase Galleria probably did not shoot the bullets that injured a 12-year-old man, police said Friday night.

Earlier Friday, the Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the man killed as police captain Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. Hoover, Gregg Rector, while the department generally does not release any media updates during an internal investigation. and clarification.

Preliminary information gathered Friday night, said the rector, indicate that two people were involved in a physical altercation that led a 21-year-old man to shoot several times at an 18-year-old man. The victim, aged 18, was shot and transported to the UAB hospital, where she remained on Friday.

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The 21-year-old – now identified as Bradford – was fleeing the shooting scene with a handgun, was hired, shot dead by a uniformed Hoover police officer. "Over the past 20 hours, investigators and crime scene technicians from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office have interviewed many people and examined several crucial pieces of evidence," said Rector Rector. "New evidence now suggests that although Mr. Bradford may have been involved in one aspect of the altercation, he probably did not fire the cartridges that injured the 18-year-old victim. "

The rector said the investigators now believe that more than two people were involved in the first altercation. The information indicates that there is at least one armed man still free, who could be responsible for shooting the 18-year-old man and the 12-year-old woman.

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"We regret that our initial press release was not entirely accurate, but new evidence shows that this was not the case," he said. "We remain committed to maintaining the integrity of this investigation, helping to determine the facts involved and to assist ALEA in their efforts."

Bradford's family has so far refused to comment on his death.

Earlier in the evening, Jefferson County Attorney Mike Anderton announced that the State Investigation Bureau would be taking the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigation after learning that the sheriff's cousin elected, Mark Pettway, would be an eyewitness.

The rector said the Hoover police would cooperate fully as the case progressed from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to the FTAA investigators. Hoover police investigators will continue to conduct an internal but separate investigation into the portion of the case involving police officers.

According to the rector, anyone with information, photos or a video of the crime scene is invited to call the investigators of the FTAA. Predictors who wish to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-254-7777.

2 wounded including one girl, 12; man killed by Hoover police