Alabama police officer dies after shootout in Muscle Shoals

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. — An Alabama police officer died Saturday morning, a day after a shootout in Muscle Shoals, authorities said.

>> Read more trending news

Sgt. Nick Risner, 40, of the Sheffield Police Department, died at 9:52 a.m. CDT at Huntsville Hospital, WAAY reported. Risner, who had been with the department for more than eight years, was a K-9 officer, Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry said.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Sheffield Police Department is sad to report that Sgt. Nick Risner, who was involved in the shooting in Muscle Shoals yesterday, has succumbed to his injuries,” Terry said in a statement. “We would like to thank the community and everyone who has prayed for Sgt. Risner, his family, and the Sheffield Police Department during this time.

“We are thankful for Sgt. Risner’s 8+ years of service with the Sheffield Police Department. Sgt. Risner performed a heroic act by protecting the Shoals Community from the shooter from entering the Walmart parking lot,” Terry added. “If the shooter would have entered the Walmart parking lot, there is no telling how many lives would have been in danger or lost yesterday.”

>> 2 police officers shot in northwest Alabama; suspected gunman injured

A Florence native, Risner also served in the Army Reserves for eight years, WAAY reported.

According to Colbert County Sheriff Frank Williamson, the shooting occurred at about 3 p.m. CDT Friday in Muscle Shoals, WHNT reported.

Another officer, Lt. Max Dotson, was hit in his vest, Terry told WHNT.

Muscle Shoals Police Chief Clint Reck said the alleged gunman, Brian Lansing Martin, 41, of Sheffield, was also hit during the shooting and was taken to an area hospital, WHNT reported.

Martin pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2013 for the May 11, 2011, shooting death of his father, Donice Scott, in Tuscumbia, AL.com reported. Martin was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released in May 2016 after serving about three years in prison, the website reported.

“The justice system failed not only Sgt. Nick Risner, but his family and everyone who has been affected by his passing,” Terry said in a statement. “{This incident should have never happened because a coward who should still be in prison was walking the streets.”

Williamson said Friday that the incident began as a chase and ended in a shootout, WAAY reported.

Williamson said the incident developed after the discovery of a body on Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals. A short police chase followed, which ended behind the old Southgate Mall in an exchange of gunfire.

Authorities said at a news conference Friday evening that Martin shot and pushed a person out of a vehicle, WAAY reported. That individual has not been publicly identified, pending notification of next of kin.

After abandoning his victim in the street, Martin stole another vehicle, officials said. Sheffield police spotted the vehicle and chased Martin back into Muscle Shoals, behind a Walmart.

Authorities have not released any information about the body that was found, AL.com reported.

In a statement Saturday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said Risner was “senselessly struck down” in the line of duty.

“We often take for granted the safety of our neighborhoods and communities while -- every minute of every day -- heroes sworn to protect and serve us venture into harm’s way,” Marshall said. “Sgt. Risner was such a hero. We live our lives in security because of the bravery and commitment of men like Sgt, Risner who vigilantly stand guard against evil. We can never repay their sacrifice. Please pray for Sgt, Risner’s family, friends, and fellow officers.”

Risner is survived by his parents and a daughter, WAFF reported.

©2021 Cox Media Group