Investigators: suspect in police-involved shooting pointed gun at officers
MADISON – The Madison County Sheriff’s Department described a crazy scene that led to Sunday’s officer-involved shooting by the Madison Police.
According to authorities, an officer-involved shooting occurred Sunday afternoon at Planet Fitness on Highway 72 in Madison.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation since Madison officers were involved.
Authorities said Monday afternoon that as a result of the shooting, Dana Sherrod Fletcher, 39 of Madison County, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Around 4:30pm Sunday, a citizen called police saying that Fletcher and a female were inside the business videoing people and asking personal questions,” said Madison County Chief Deputy Stacy Bates. “Madison Police responded and made contact with Fletcher, the female, and a child in a van outside the business. Fletcher and the female were uncooperative with officers and there was a gun in the car.”
He said a struggle ensued and officers were able to get the uncooperative female and child out of the car safely.
Officers were still struggling with Fletcher and used a less-than-lethal taser in an attempt to get him under control and disarmed. “The less-than-lethal was not effective and the struggling Fletcher exited the car with the gun in his hand and pointed at officers,” Bates said. “ Two Madison police officers fired their weapons and Fletcher was struck. The officers attempted first-aid on Fletcher, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is still continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Bates said there was video from the business that shows Fletcher armed with a handgun and investigators did recover a 9mm handgun at the scene.
If anyone has information about the shooting they can contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, 256-533-8820, or submit information online at https://www.madisoncountysheriffal.org/crimetip
Sheriff Kevin Turner said, “This is a tragic event for all involved and we are conducting a thorough investigation”.
Five Madison Police officers involved were placed on administrative leave per department policy.