Reward Climbs To $5k For Info In October I-20/59 Shooting

Tuscaloosa AL

22 December, 2020

5:42 PM

Description

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has approved a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects behind a shooting on Interstate 20/59 in October that left a man paralyzed. Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app The multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is handling the case and made the request for the additional reward money. Captain Jack Kennedy, the unit's commander, said the reward will apply only to private citizens, excluding members or employees of any government law enforcement agency or their relatives from claiming the money. "We would like to thank the Governor and her office for their assistance," Kennedy said in a press release. "We hope that this reward will encourage anyone with any information to come forward." Patch previously reported that on the night Oct. 9, at approximately 10:42 p.m., a family of four was shot at while driving along I-20/59 between Exit 97 and the Mercedes plant Kennedy pointed out to the public that the family was in a dark gray or black 2007 GMC Yukon. "The father was driving, and the mother and two young children, including a 10 month old, were sleeping," he said. "The family was driving from Georgia to Texas to visit family. As they drove through Tuscaloosa County, a vehicle pulled alongside and fired multiple rounds into the family's vehicle. The father was struck in his back and was immediately paralyzed from the torso down. Other rounds narrowly missed the children and mother. Being paralyzed the father did not have the use of his legs or feet and could not use the brakes. " Kennedy said the father was somehow able to maintain control of the vehicle, shift it into neutral, and control the vehicle until it stopped. The family had no interactions with any vehicles or other persons that investigators think could have provoked the encounter. "The father is in a long term rehab facility and it is unknown if he will ever regain use of his legs," Kennedy said. "The victims were unsure of a description of the suspect vehicle during this chaotic event." Anyone who believes that they witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding this crime are asked to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690 or the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office at (205) 752-0616. Follow Patch here for updates or on Facebook and Twitter.