HOUSTON COUNTY – MONTGOMERY: The Houston County Sheriff and Command Staff were in Montgomery today to honor Lieutenant Hopkins as he received the House of Representatives Medal of Honor.
This well-deserved recognition highlights his dedication, leadership, and service to our community. We are proud to have him represent Houston County. The Medal of Honor presented in the Alabama House of Representatives. The local Legislative Delegation from the House. Rick Rehm, Paul Lee, Steve Clouse and Jeff Sorrells.
While the presentation was from the Alabama House of Representatives, Alabama Senator Donnie Chesteen also congratulates Lt. Hopkins for his act of bravery.
Lt. Hopkins was working off duty at Wiregrass Commons Mall on Sunday. Lt. Hopkins heard gunfire in the mall. Hopkins ran “towards” the gunfire. One man was down in the center of the mall. Multiple law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were rolling when Lt. Hopkins called for assistance. However Lt. Hopkins ran to the gunfire while all of the officers were rolling. Hopkins located a victim with multiple gunshots, while keeping guard and lookout for any suspects.
As the scene unfolded, the mall was surrounded by ALEA – Troopers, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, Dothan Police, Kinsey Police, Ashford Police, multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies, Pilcher Ambulance and others. A person of interest was located inside the barber shop, hidden.
Dothan Fire Engine 6 ( Napier Field Road ) was the primary Fire Engine Company. Skilled paramedics went to the gunshot victim, who later was found to have been shot 13 times, once in the head. Dothan Paramedics treated and transported the gunshot victim, emergency, under trauma alert and law eforcement escort.
As investigation unfolded, the person shot 13 times was the original shooter. He shot a person getting a haircut. What the original shooter did not know, the person getting his haircut, that was being shot at, was also armed. He returned fire striking the original shooter 13 times. The person who was getting his haircut who had hidden for cover, was not charged or arrested. The person shot 13 times was wanted in Pike County for murder.
After a stay in the hospital, the shooter who was shot 13 times, remains in Houston County Jail with holds for Pike County Sheriff Department, where he will face murder charges.
Lt. Bobby Hopkins was honored with the Medal of Honor for running into the face of danger during the shooting. Hopkins serves as Commander of the Houston County Sheriff School Resource Officers protecting the children in the Houston County Schools.
CONGRATULATIONS to Lt. Hopkins.
