Three Alabama Police Officers Fired, One Suspended Over Fatal Shooting of Steve Perkins

The officers were dismissed following an internal investigation into the shooting of Perkins during a dispute with a tow truck driver, while the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues its review of the incident.

Three police officers in Decatur, Alabama, have been fired and a fourth suspended in connection with the fatal shooting of Steve Perkins, a 39-year-old Black man, during a dispute with a tow truck driver in September.
The officers' dismissals were announced by Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling following the conclusion of personnel hearings, but the specific reasons for their dismissal were not disclosed.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is still conducting a review of the shooting, the findings of which will be turned over to the local district attorney and grand jury to determine if criminal charges are merited.
Perkins' family has disputed the police account of the incident, stating that Perkins was not aware of the officers' presence until he was being shot, and that the truck payments were up to date so the truck shouldn't have been towed.
Decatur Police Chief Todd Pinion has publicly apologized for initially providing inaccurate information about the shooting, and pledged to take action to ensure such an incident does not happen again.