Overnight Officer Involved Shooting Update

A call to Tuscaloosa Police around 1:30 this morning reporting a person trespassing at the Whataburger on McFarland Blvd. turned deadly.  An officer was attempting to place 36-year-old white male Joseph Earl Driver in custody when Driver produced a knife and cut the officer.

During a media briefing at the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office later in the day, Sgt. Josh Hastings with the department's Criminal Investigations Division (CID) stated at least two TPD officers discharged their firearms, striking Driver multiple times, fatally wounding him. Driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The multiple agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) was called to the site where Sheriff's deputies processed the scene because they are not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the agency involved in the incident.

Per standard operating policy, Sgt. Hastings says both officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

Law enforcement officers say the most difficult aspect of their profession is being put in a position where they might have to use deadly force. Hastings told a reporter, "But at the same time law enforcement officers want to go home to their families as well."

The wounded officer was treated for non-life-threatening wounds from the knife cut and according to Hastings, "...will be ok".

Investigators will have more information available to them due to body cams. "Both officers had their body cams activated," Sgt. hastings told reporters. "But as per policy, anytime there is an investigation ongoing, we don't release body cam footage."

When asked about concerns to the community, Sgt, Hastings told reporters that the incident is believed to be isolated and, "An unfortunate situation all the way around."

The Violent Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate. The results, per legal procedure, will then be turned over to the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office.

This is an ongoing story and will be covered as more information becomes available.