Alabama Police Officer Shot During Pursuit Dies

KIMBERLY, Alabama -- A Kimberly police officer who was shot in the line of duty Tuesday night succumbed to his wounds.

Officer Nick O’Rear was fatally shot during a pursuit on Interstate 65 South, according AL.com.

The 33-year-old was a Kimberly police officer for less than a year and was a father of two with a third child on the way.

"Everybody loved him," Kimberly Mayor Bob Ellerbrock told reporters. "He was a tremendous asset to our community."

O’Rear’s death marks the first time a Kimberly police officer has ever been killed in the line of duty.

Gov. Kay Ivey spoke with the officer’s parents, her office said Wednesday morning.

"I am profoundly grieved to hear of the passing of the Kimberly Police Officer who was shot in the line of duty last night. The safety of our citizens and the rule of law is forefront on the minds of our officers who willingly risk their lives on behalf of ours. His sacrifice will never be forgotten," Ivey said in a statement.

Four people were later taken into custody in connection to the shooting.

Only one of the four in custody, identified as 37-year-old Preston Johnson, has been charged in O’Rear’s death. Johnson faces capital murder charges because the victim was a law enforcement officer and because the shots were allegedly fired from inside a vehicle and into another vehicle.

Johnson also faces a charge of attempted murder of a Morris police officer.

The other three are not likely to be charged, authorities said, because they picked up Johnson after he wrecked the car police said was used during O’Rear’s shooting.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Funeral arrangements are pending.