VCU: Deputies’ Deadly Shooting Followed Lies, Perceived Threat from Replica Gun

Investigators with the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit say a deadly police shooting on Thursday was a preventable tragedy that came after lying and the perception of a deadly threat.

As the Tuscaloosa Thread has reported, sheriff's deputies responded to a residence in eastern Tuscaloosa County with a Vance address to arrest 36-year-old Ricky Adkins.

On Friday, VCU co-commander Captain Marty Sellers said Adkins was wanted for menacing, which is making a criminal threat, usually with a weapon. He was also wanted for illegally possessing a firearm.

"Once deputies arrived, they talked to family members and asked about his location and if he was at home. They were told that he might be in a tent in the back of the home," Sellers said. "Deputies approached and found two tents in the backyard. One of the tents was unoccupied. They approached the second tent and made verbal contact with a female inside the tent."

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It is now known that the woman was 43-year-old Christie Lynn Adkins, the sister of the man police were there to find.

Sellers said Christie Adkins lied several times, telling deputies she was alone in the tent with her dogs, then claiming a man inside was her boyfriend, not her brother.

Investigators say the woman eventually "became irate," opened the tent door, and spoke with deputies. Meanwhile, the man iside - Ricky Adkins - was spotted moving around wearing a face cover.

Sellers said when deputies demanded that Adkins remove the cover, he moved behind his sister, pulled a BB gun made to closely resemble an actual firearm, and pointed the weapon at the TCSO deputies.

The pellet gun is reportedly a replica of the very real and deadly Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.

"Deputies drew their service weapons and opened fire in defense of themselves," Sellers said. "Both Mr. Adkins and Ms. Adkins were hit. She suffered fatal injuries, and he suffered significant injuries."

The VCU says the deputies on scene rendered what aid they could and called for medical assistance. The badly wounded Ricky Adkins was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The matter is being investigated by VCU staff who are not affiliated with the sheriff's office, meaning detectives who work for the Tuscaloosa, Northport or University of Alabama Police Departments.

After interviewing witnesses, processing the scene and conferring with the district attorney, the VCU has obtained warrants to charge Ricky Adkins with manslaughter for the death of his sister, who was fatally shot by the deputies.

"It was determined that Mr. Adkins created the situation that led to his sister's death," Sellers said. "He is going to be charged with manslaughter once he is released from the hospital."

Sellers said the wanted man "chose how this happened," and the deadly shooting was the result of his actions, not the early hour of the 5 a.m. warrant service.

Sellers said Adkins is in critical but stable condition, and the three involved TCSO sheriff's deputies have been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.

All evidence will then be presented to a grand jury, which will determine whether the deputies engaged in any wrongdoing.

"Based on our investigation, they acted appropriately under the given circumstances in a difficult situation," Sellers told reporters.

For more exclusive coverage of crime and courts in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.