TRISTAN CLARK DEATH – The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is investigating an officer-involved shooting Wednesday in which 24-year-old Tristan Clark was killed. The incident happened Wednesday afternoon when Tuscaloosa Police Department narcotics officers stopped a vehicle on 37th Street East near the intersection of James I. Harrison Parkway for a traffic violation.
Several people were in the vehicle, and a person in the back was found to have an outstanding warrant. As an officer asked the person to step out of the vehicle, the officer noticed a firearm in the person’s waistband and ordered the person to not touch the firearm.
The suspect began reaching for the pistol and the officer got into a scuffle with that person in an attempt to keep them from pulling the gun out. The suspect managed to pull the gun out and then refused to drop the gun when commanded. One officer fired his weapon and the suspect with the gun was hit several times.
Medical and backup officers were called immediately, but Clark was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and at its conclusion the case will be evaluated by the District Attorney’s Office for presentation to a grand jury. The names of the officers will not be released.