On Tuesday, two Huntsville Police officers were shot while responding to a domestic violence call where a woman had already been shot. One of those officers, Garrett Crumby, died at the hospital from his wounds. In honor of Crumbly, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday to honor Huntsville Police Department Officer Crumby.
“I am directing flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday, April 3, to honor Huntsville Police Department Officer Garrett Crumby, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 28, 2023,” Ivey stated in a press release.
“On behalf of the state of Alabama, I express my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow law enforcement professionals,” said Ivey. “I am forever grateful for Officer Crumby’s dedication in keeping our communities safe and serving the people of Alabama.”
Officer Albert Morin was also gravely shot and was still at Huntsville Hospital in critical condition recovering from his wounds as of press time.
“Additionally, I call on all Alabamians to uplift Officer Albert Morin in prayer as he recovers from injuries sustained during the tragic incident. We stand with the men and women who sacrifice everything to protect our communities.”
The flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday.
Crumby and Morin were responding to an emergency domestic violence call at the Governor’s House apartment complex Tuesday evening when they were “ambushed” by 24-year-old Juan Robert Laws, who had already shot a female victim on scene, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.
The Huntsville Police Department said on Facebook, “The hearts of the Huntsville Police family are heavy following the loss of Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby, 36, who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Albert Morin, 34, who is still in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital. The Huntsville Police Department thanks those in Huntsville and beyond for their continued support.”
His fellow officers escorted Officer Crumby’s body as it was transported to the Berryhill Funeral Home.
Laws had previously shot two people in a January altercation and had been released on bond awaiting trial for two charges of Second Degree Assault at the time of Tuesday’s shooting.
Laws and his female victim are in the hospital recovering from their injuries.
The Chairman of the Madison County Commission, Mac McCutcheon, himself a Huntsville Police force veteran, said on Facebook, “My prayers are with the HPD Officers tonight! We have lost one Officer, and another is fighting for his life! Heroes and servants of the people. I was so very thankful for the support of the law enforcement family coming together to support each other. It was an emotional time at the ER. Chief Giles is a friend and a true leader of the men and women who wear the uniform and put on the badge of servanthood, law and order! The Sheriff’s Department gave backup and began taking calls in the City to give HPD the freedom to take care of their Officers. We must continue to pray for the grieving family members and the Officer fighting for his life. Let’s also remember the team at the 911 center. As I met with them tonight they too have experienced the emotional trauma of trying to dispatch and give aid to the officers on the call. God be with the men and women who sacrifice everything to keep us safe!! It is a family of the thin blue line that we should be thankful for!!!”
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