Suspect in Custody After Morning Chase, Possible Gunfire

A suspect is in custody after an early-morning manhunt began at Forrester Gardens Apartments and ended in a residential area near 11th Avenue East.

According to a Tuscaloosa Police Department spokesperson, a woman called 911 right after 7 a.m. regarding a man who had chased her daughter from a bus stop on James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway to the area surrounding Forrester Gardens Apartments. She said the man looked to be in his 20s.

"The first officers who responded called for backup after hearing possible gunfire," a press release issued later Tuesday morning stated. "Multiple officers from TPD, with assistance from Alabama State Troopers, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Northport and the University of Alabama Police departments responded to the area."

Administrators at Holy Spirit School nearby were alerted of the threat and placed the school on lockdown.

The suspect was apprehended in a backyard in the 3100 block of 11th Avenue East right after 8:30 a.m. The suspect is in TPD custody and is undergoing questioning.

The release indicated that investigators are still looking into whether responding officers heard "gunfire, firecrackers or something else."

The Tuscaloosa Thread will provide more updates as they become available.