On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Special Agents assigned to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Major Crimes Unit launched an officer-involved shooting investigation involving Officers assigned to the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit.
The MACS Unit received a law enforcement advisory from the Montgomery Police Department concerning a suspect wanted for First-Degree Robbery. Subsequently, at approximately 5:51 p.m., MACS Officers encountered the suspect and attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle the suspect was a passenger in. The vehicle refused to stop, and a brief pursuit ensued before the suspect exited the vehicle with a firearm and fled on foot into a nearby shed in the 4000 Block of Longleaf Drive within Montgomery. The suspect, later identified as Jadarrian O’Neal Clemons, 25, of Montgomery, fired at Officers causing MACS Officers to return fire. Clemons was struck by gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.
A Special Agent assigned to ALEA’s SWAT Team, who was assisting the MACS Unit, was struck by gunfire multiple times and was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. However, the Special Agent is expected to make a full recovery.
ALEA would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Montgomery Police Department for their assistance, as well as their continued support and collaboration of the MACS Unit.
“First and foremost, our Agent is currently doing well and is expected to make a full recovery. He showed remarkable courage and composure during an incredibly dangerous situation. Moments like this remind us that behind every badge is a person with a family who waits for them to come home,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “I am sincerely grateful for the rapid response from our federal, state and local partners who stood behind us without hesitation. That unity speaks volumes about the character of the law enforcement community and those who sacrifice it all to protect and serve our citizens. Please continue to keep our Agent and his family in your thoughts and prayers in the following days.”
ALEA SBI Director Chris Inabinett agreed and said, “MACS operations are often carried out behind the scenes, but they involve some of the most dangerous assignments in law enforcement. Our Special Agents and MACS Officers pursue violent criminals every day. The risks are real, and this incident underscores that reality. In Alabama, attacks on law enforcement will not be condoned. We will continue to confront violent crime head-on, and we will always stand behind the men and women who are willing to step into harm’s way to keep others safe.”
Nothing further is available as the investigation remains ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.