LANETT, Ala. — A 27-year-old man wanted for firing a gun into a Lanett Police Department patrol car was fatally shot by officers during a confrontation Sunday, officials said.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation, officers from the Lanett Police Department and an Auburn Police Department officer assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force encountered Jaja Davis Jr. after an earlier incident involving him discharging a firearm into an occupied patrol vehicle. When officers encountered Davis a second time in the 1000 block of Magnolia Drive, Davis exchanged gunfire with them. He was struck during the shooting and later died at a local hospital. No officers were injured.
The charge against Davis stemmed from firing into the patrol car, prompting the attempted arrest. The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation, which will be forwarded to the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard expressed condolences to Davis’ family and urged the community to remain calm and patient during the investigation. He emphasized the commitment to transparency and ensuring public safety.
Authorities continue to seek information from anyone who may have details about the incident. The investigation remains active.