A Florence police officer was shot in the face before the suspected gunman killed himself after a pursuit early Sunday morning.
The unidentified officer was stopped at a traffic signal at the intersection of Cox Creek and Cloverdale Road around 12:10 a.m. and the suspect was in the turn lane when the shooting occurred, according to The Times Daily.
The officer was flown to Huntsville Hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound to his face, but was alert and talking and is expected to be released later in the day.
The officer was able to return fire, but the suspect fled the scene. Police began looking for a black SUV and a vehicle matching the description was spotted just before 1 a.m. on Wright Drive. A short pursuit ensued before the suspect drove into a Church parking lot and stopped after hitting a trailer.
Officials said the suspected gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted wound.
Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office as we ll as other agencies, including University of North Alabama police, assisted Florence with patrols as the investigation into the shooting took place.
