Suspect identified, charged with attempted murder after Tuscaloosa police officer shot in bulletproof vest

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - A man is in custody in Tuscaloosa after he is accused of shooting at two Tuscaloosa Police Department officers Monday afternoon.

Tuscaloosa police say the suspect is identified as 20-year-old Devonte Lavon Farmer.

Farmer was formally charged on Tuesday with three counts of attempted murder, with a combined bond of $300,000.

The incident happened around 3:45 p.m. when two officers were called to an apartment complex located at 1800 Links Boulevard on reports of a man walking around the complex with a gun.

When police arrived, they found Farmer on the golf course at the complex. Police say he refused to acknowledge commands to stop and drop his weapon.

Police then say they followed Farmer across the golf course to the lake where he fired multiple shots at the officers.

One of the officers was hit in his bulletproof vest, which thankfully stopped the round only causing bruising to his ribs.

Officers from multiple Tuscaloosa County agencies then responded to the scene and surrounded the area. Farmer eventually surrendered to authorities around 5:09 p.m.

Officers said Farmer was found to have been struck one time, and had a non-life threatening injury.

The Violent Crimes Unit responded, as per protocol, and officers and investigators not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department conducted the investigation.

Farmer was treated for his injuries, and warrants have been obtained for three counts of Attempted Murder.

Officials say a second officer received a minor injury during the incident. Both officers were treated and released from DCH by 7 p.m.

On Tuesday morning, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon posted on Facebook the officers will be going home to their families.

Police say Farmer is currently wanted for assault with a deadly weapon warrants from Noxubee County, Mississippi. In addition to those warrants, investigators have also learned that Farmer is a possible suspect in shootings in several other different jurisdictions in Mississippi.

Anyone who has any information regarding this subject’s location or prior activities in or about the Tuscaloosa area prior to yesterday is encouraged to call the Violent Crimes Unit at 205-464-8690.

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