On Tuesday, Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby was fatally shot in the line of duty responding to a domestic violence call at the 4600 block of Governors House Drive. A female domestic violence victim had already been shot. Crumby died from his wounds at the hospital on Tuesday night. The assailant also shot Officer Albert Morin. Morin is out of surgery and remains in critical condition. The two officers were ambushed when they arrived at the scene by the assailant.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement following the death of Officer Crumby.
“Tonight, our State grieves the death of another member of the law enforcement community—one who, when called upon, ran toward danger in aide of a female victim,” said AG Marshall. “Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby and fellow Officer Albert Morin were responding to an emergency domestic violence call for service when they were ambushed by an armed suspect. The suspect had already shot and injured a female victim who was present on the scene.”
“Both officers were transported by ambulance to Huntsville Hospital, where they received emergency treatment,” said Marshall. “Officer Morin is now out of surgery and remains in critical condition, while Officer Crumby did not survive his injuries. Our part of the country has been reminded again this week of the pure heroism of those who make up the thin blue line—the dividing line, at times, between life and death for the citizens that they swear an oath to protect. These two law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call this evening, knowing full well that they would be placing their lives on the line in defense of their fellow man. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted.”
“Officer Crumby was a three-year veteran of the Huntsville Police Department,” stated Marshall. “He previously served for eight years with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. He is the first Alabama police officer to fall to gunfire this year but the third to be shot in the line of duty. “
“This is a devastating loss for our department, the Huntsville community, and the State of Alabama,” said Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we grieve with our fallen officer’s family, we have another officer fighting for his life. Please keep all our officers and the entire department in your prayers.”
The suspected shooter and the female shooting victim are at the hospital receiving treatment.
“This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We are heartbroken. Words cannot express our loss. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community, and we stand united with our police officers and their families in this tragic moment.”
Before Officer Crumby had died from his wounds, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said on Twitter, “I am devastated to learn the news that two Huntsville police officers were shot in the line of duty this evening. I ask the people of Alabama to join me in prayer for these heroes and their family, friends and community.”
“It’s heartbreaking to hear that two of our Huntsville police officers were shot in the line of duty today,” said Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter on Twitter before Crumby’s death. “Please join me in prayer for those officers and their families. These officers are our everyday heroes, and we should never take their service for granted.”
“My heart breaks hearing this news,” said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt on Twitter before news of Crumby’s death had become known. “Please join me in praying for these officers, their loved ones, and their community. Our incredible law enforcement officers put themselves in harm way’s every single day to protect and serve others.”
On Wednesday, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will conduct an autopsy on Officer Crumby’s corpse.
The Huntsville Police have requested that the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) lead the investigation.
This is a developing story.
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