An Attempted Bank Robbery in Florence Turned into a Shoot Out

According to a Florence Police Department Media Release involving an officer related shooting and an attempted bank robbery, at approximately 2:53 PM on Tuesday, officers from the Florence Police Department and deputies from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office responded to PNC Bank on Cox Creek Parkway for a welfare check involving a male who had reportedly threatened to rob the bank. As officers and deputies arrived on the scene, the male suspect was seen leaving the bank. A vehicle pursuit ensued as the suspect fled. The chase concluded when the suspect’s vehicle collided with another vehicle on Highway 72, just east of County Road 323. After the crash, the suspect exited his vehicle armed with a firearm and advanced toward law enforcement officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire. During the incident, one officer was struck in the shoulder, as was another individual. The suspect was shot and pronounced deceased at the scene. At the time of this release, both the officer and the other individual are reported to be in stable condition. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is handling the investigation moving forward.