News
45-year-old Evet Tower killed in officer-involved shooting at Aspen Village apartments in Tuscaloosa
Kennedy said as Tower was trying to stab the woman, one of the police officers drew their sidearm and shot the 45-year-old.
Update: Investigators report that a fatal officer-involved shooting in Tuscaloosa early Monday morning was fully recorded on body camera footage and was deemed a clear life-saving intervention as a woman wielded a kitchen knife against her adult daughter.
Captain Jack Kennedy, overseeing the multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, stated that the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Monday when relatives contacted the Tuscaloosa Police seeking assistance in managing 45-year-old Evet Michelle Tower.
Kennedy mentioned that Tower, who was dealing with mental health issues, exhibited erratic behavior, prompting multiple family members to seek assistance. He explained that two Tuscaloosa Police officers were dispatched to Aspen Village Apartments near Woods & Water off Skyland Boulevard. During their interaction with Tower, which lasted approximately five minutes, they engaged in what appeared to be constructive dialogue while awaiting the arrival of paramedics.
Kennedy recounted that suddenly, Tower purportedly retrieved a kitchen knife from her apartment and advanced toward her adult daughter with it.
“While waiting for medical assistance, the mother obtained a kitchen knife from the kitchen, cornered her adult daughter, and aggressively attempted to stab her,” Kennedy stated.
He elaborated that as Tower endeavored to harm the woman, one of the police officers drew their firearm and discharged it, striking the 45-year-old.
Kennedy mentioned that Tower sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene. The intended victim, Tower’s adult daughter, also sustained injuries, although Kennedy couldn’t confirm whether they resulted from the knife or from being grazed by a bullet or bullet fragment from the officer’s gunfire.
As per Tuscaloosa Police Department protocol, both officers present during the incident will be placed on administrative leave while the Violent Crimes Unit conducts its investigation.
Although some TPD personnel serve on the Violent Crimes Unit, only investigators unaffiliated with the department will handle this case.
This event marks the fifth homicide in Tuscaloosa County in 2024 and the second fatal shooting involving Tuscaloosa Police in four months.
Original Report:
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is probing an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday at Aspen Village apartments in Tuscaloosa.
Captain Jack Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit mentioned that one female individual identified as Evet Tower has been fatally shot, and the VCU is leading the investigation.
Currently, VCU has not disclosed further details, but they anticipate releasing more information later today.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
