Tuscaloosa Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Firing Officer’s Gun During Checkup
A Tuscaloosa man who was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis has been charged with attempted murder and other crimes after he allegedly took and fired a police officer's gun during a checkup Monday morning.
Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and an employee of the sheriff's office, not the police department, said TPD officers made contact with 44-year-old Cedric Leon Tinker at 10:45 Monday morning.
Tinker's family had reportedly made several calls about his mental health in the last few days, and TPD dispatched a Mental Health Officer to evaluate him.
Kennedy said the MHO is a legal position in area law enforcement agencies and they have the ability to take people into custody for mandatory mental health treatment if deemed necessary.
"After meeting with family, social workers, interviewing Tinker, and reviewing incidents from the last week, the decision was made to transport Tinker to the hospital for evaluation," Kennedy said. "Tinker refused to be transported and became aggressive."
The VCU reports that Tinker assaulted several TPD officers and threatened them, and as they tried to restrain him, he took the struggle to the ground and then disarmed an officer, seizing their sidearm.
"During the struggle the firearm was discharged one time, but did not strike anyone," Kennedy said. "Multiple officers were eventually able to retrieve the weapon and take Tinker into custody."
Because the incident involved TPD officers, VCU investigators who are not affiliated with the department will handle the case. Kennedy said there were multiple witnesses, and the entire incident was captured on body worn cameras.
On Monday evening, Tinker was charged with attempted murder, disarming a law enforcement officer and second-degree assault.
He was jailed with no bond.
For updates on this case as they become available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.
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