Eric Lamar Caffey was shot Friday night when Hanceville Police officers discharged their weapons after Caffey attempted to flee a checkpoint. He was treated and released from UAB. / Cullman County Sheriff's Office
Updated 3-17-18 at 8:10 p.m. with mugshot
HANCEVILLE – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 11 p.m. Friday evening at a driver's license checkpoint at Alabama Highway 91 and County Road 747. The incident involved the Hanceville Police Department.
According to an official statement received from Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long early Saturday evening, Eric Lamar Caffey, 23, of Hanceville, whom the statement describes as an armed robbery and home invasion suspect, a convicted felon with a history of violence and in possession of a firearm with outstanding warrants, attempted to flee from the checkpoint when officers tried to get him to exit his vehicle.
"He failed to produce a driver’s license. Officers on the scene were familiar with Caffey. They attempted to get him to exit the vehicle," said the statement. "Caffey, aware of warrants, in possession of marijuana and a firearm, decided to speed away. In an attempt to prevent or limit a high speed pursuit, officers discharged their weapons. Both rear tries were deflated. Caffey still attempted to elude officers at speeds of approximately 70 mph for approximately 1 mile. He then came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the road, initiating a collision with a patrol vehicle. A passenger in Caffey’s vehicle was not injured."
The statement continued, "He was taken into custody, where he informed the officers that he had been wounded. Paramedics and an ambulance were requested. He was transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center and then transferred to UAB, where he was treated and released."
Long said the Hanceville Police Department contacted the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation. "Both agencies responded promptly. This case is currently under review."
Caffey has been charged with robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, fourth-degree theft of property, attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, first-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center with bonds totaling $46,000.
The names of the officers involved have not been released.
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