HOMEWOOD, Ala. — An officer fatally shot 18-year-old Jabari Peoples during a confrontation Monday night at the Homewood Soccer Complex on South Lakeshore Drive, authorities said.
According to the Homewood Police Department, a veteran officer approached a vehicle parked in a secluded area around 9:30 p.m. and detected the smell of marijuana. Police said the officer instructed the two occupants to exit the vehicle. As Peoples, the driver, exited, the officer observed a handgun in the door pocket and attempted to arrest him for unlawful possession of marijuana. Police said Peoples resisted, leading to a struggle, during which he allegedly retrieved the handgun. The officer then fired one round, striking Peoples.
Police said the officer gave multiple commands for Peoples to release the handgun and called for backup. The second occupant fled but later returned and was detained. Backup officers arrived within 96 seconds and began administering medical aid. Peoples was transported to UAB Hospital, where he died.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating. Police said the incident was recorded on the officer’s body camera, and arrangements are being made for the family to view the footage. ALEA is the only agency authorized to release the recording.
Peoples’ family disputes the police account, saying he was unarmed, compliant, and shot within seconds of exiting the vehicle. They say they have not received a full incident report or been shown body camera footage. Community leaders, including Aliceville Mayor Terrence E. Windham, have called for the immediate release of all related video and audio to ensure transparency in the investigation.