Suspect identified in shooting that injured Columbiana police officer

COLUMBIANA, Ala. (WBRC) - A man is in custody after an officer-involved shooting in Columbiana Saturday.

According to Columbiana Police, officers responded a welfare check at the Columbiana Villas Saturday afternoon.

Police say during the welfare check, the suspect fired shots and officers returned fire. One officer was struck and was taken to a local hospital but has since been released. The other officer did not suffer any major injuries.

Neighbors say they heard gunshots around 1:30 p.m. before police arrived.

“We heard a shotgun go off like three times. And then once we heard that, we went inside. And about five minutes later, we saw a whole bunch of cops start showing up,” said Samuel Buff, who lives in the apartments.

Residents in the apartment complex were evacuated during the hours-long standoff.

“We were all rushed outside, and like the cops were like, we don’t want anyone to get hit by stray bullets,” Buff said.

Late Saturday afternoon, police say the suspect was taken into custody.

Columbiana Police Chief Jeff Bowers said he is thankful his officers are okay.

Columbiana Police say they are fortunate to have their officers walk away from the standoff safely.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s office said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will conduct the investigation into the shooting.

“This is a frightening reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officer’s face every day. We thank them for their service,” said the district attorney’s office.

Sunday evening, WBRC learned that Ryan Darrell Holland is the suspect in the shooting. He has been charged with assault-aggravated assault-A to M attempt to commit a crime and assault-aggravated assault-A to M attempt to commit crime.

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