On Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. during the course of the manhunt, officers with the Opp Police Department along with an ALEA Special Agent encountered Matthews on the front porch of a home located on Childre Court in Opp within Covington County. During the course of the encounter, while brandishing a firearm, Matthews attempted to flee, causing the officers and Special Agent to fire and shoot Matthews. Matthews was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Nothing further is available as the investigation remains ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Covington County District Attorney’s Office.
Initial Press Statement:
COVINGTON COUNTY – On Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at the request of the Opp Police Department, Special Agents assigned to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an investigation concerning an officer-involved shooting involving officers with the Opp Police Department.
The incident occurred when officers with the Opp Police Department responded to a call for service involving an individual armed with a gun near the intersection of Pond Drive and Barnes Street located in Opp within Covington County. During the course of the incident, multiple officers responded as well as a Trooper with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division. The suspect, later identified as Amos L. Matthews, 51, of Opp, brandished a firearm, causing officers to fire at Matthews. Matthews fled the scene into a nearby wooded area and an active manhunt is currently underway.
Matthews is considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances. If you see Matthews or have any information concerning his location, please contact the Opp Police Department at 334-493-4511.
The following agencies are currently on scene and assisting in the manhunt: ALEA SBI Special Agents, ALEA Highway Patrol Troopers, ALEA’s Aviation Unit, officers with Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, officers with Opp Police Department and deputies with Covington County Sheriff’s Office.
