Press Release for Shooting in Eufaula on 8/23/2017

The homeowner in yesterday’s shooting on Macon Avenue has been arrested and charged with Assault 1st Degree. Malcolm Duel Wilson, 58, called 911 Wednesday 23 August, to report a suspicious person inside a vehicle under his carport. During the 911 call, Wilson confronted the subject just prior to the responding officer’s arrival and attempted to confine him to the corner of the homeowner’s yard. As a police car approached the residence, the subject attempted to flee, and Wilson allegedly fired a weapon at him, striking him once in the lower back. The subject continued running away from the residence and was later located at the Medical Center Barbour emergency room. The 17 year old gunshot victim underwent emergency surgery Wednesday and is listed in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Medical Center Barbour. Wilson was arrested on a warrant and released on bond pending a preliminary hearing.

Code of Alabama 1972, Title 13A-3-23 through 13A-3-30 defines what force may or may not be used against another person. Title 12A-3-26 specifically states:

A person is justified in using physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission by the other person of theft or criminal mischief with respect to property other than premises as defined in Section 13A-3-20.

While we understand the frustration and helplessness that victims of property crimes feel, there must be an understanding of State law in matters of deadly force and physical force and when each can be applied. We urge everyone to become familiar with State law and the enormous responsibility that comes with gun ownership. We would also like to emphasize that the first responding officer was on scene in less than 90 seconds from receiving the 911 call.

Chief Steve Watkins
Eufaula Police Department