Airman shot in traffic stop
By From Staff And Wire Reports
Published in News on March 11, 2014 1:46 PM
The father of an airman shot by an Opelika, Ala., police officer says his son suffered serious injuries to his stomach and colon and might never fully recover from his injuries.
Billy Davidson said his son, 20-year-old Michael Darrett Davidson of Beckville, Texas, was driving on Interstate 85 on his way to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base when the shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday.
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs spokesman Ross Tweten said Davidson is not currently assigned to Seymour Johnson and referred all questions regarding his status with the Air Force to 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs office at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.
The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is probing the shooting that involved Opelika Officer Phillip Hancock, a seven-year veteran with the department. Hancock, who wasn't injured, has been placed on administrative leave with pay.
Billy Davison told The Opelika-Auburn News that his son was moved from the ICU at East Alabama Medical Center Monday afternoon.
Police have released few details about the encounter. A press conference is tentatively scheduled for later in the week.
Alabama Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Robyn Bradley Litchfield confirmed Tuesday the ABI is investigating the shooting at the request of the Opelika Police Department, but could not comment on the details.
"We (investigate) officer-involved shootings at the request of the agency involved. We do it as a service to the state. It is nothing that is required by law," she said.
Capt. Bruce DeLong of the Opelika Police Department said no charges are pending against Davidson.