Alabama sheriff shot and killed while responding to a call at a convenience store: Manhunt on for two gunmen after beloved cop is slain in the line of duty
- Sheriff John Williams of Lowndes County, Alabama, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Saturday evening
- His death was confirmed by Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham
- Cunningham said Williams died at around 8:15pm while responding to a call at a convenience store in Hayneville
- State authorities are now looking for two suspects, according to reports
- Governor Kay Ivey remembered Williams as ‘a consummate professional and pillar of his community’
Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams was shot and killed in the line of duty on Saturday evening
Law enforcement agencies have launched a statewide manhunt in Alabama for two suspects after a sheriff was shot and killed in the line of duty on Saturday.
Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams died at around 8:15pm on Saturday, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham.
Sources told the Montgomery Advertiser that Williams died while responding to a call at a convenience store near a gas station in Hayneville.
Authorities are now actively searching for two suspects, WAFF-TV is reporting.
Tracking dogs as well as helicopters have been deployed in the search, according to reports.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement to WSFA-TV which read: ‘I’m saddened to hear about Sheriff Big John Williams, who was tragically killed this evening in the line of duty.
‘Through his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps and his many years working in law enforcement, he dedicated his life to keeping other people safe.
Investigators are seen above at the gas station in Hayneville, Alabama, where the shooting took place on Saturday night
Williams, who was known as ‘Big John’ because of his height, died while responding to a call at a convenience store in Hayneville
‘He will be remembered as a consummate professional and pillar of his community.
‘I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to the men and women of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.’
Williams, who was known as ‘Big John’ because of his height, was born and raised in Lowndes County.
The website of the county Sheriff’s Office hailed Williams as someone who ‘always wanted to make a difference in his community and felt there was no better way to help his community than to protect and serve them in law enforcement.’
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey remembered Williams as a ‘consummate professional and pillar of his community’
Williams’ career in law enforcement began in 1978, when he first volunteered as a reserve deputy.
In the 1980s, he joined the Hayneville Police Department in a part-time capacity.
Eventually, he was hired as a full time deputy with the department.
He rose through the ranks to become chief deputy. He then quit the department and ran successfully for sheriff in 2010.
Williams held on to that position since then.
This is a developing news story. Check back later for more details.