Between Law Enforcement and Wanted Fugitives

SARALAND, Ala.

November 1, 2024

For the second time, in as many days, law enforcement has been involved in a shootout in Saraland.

On Wednesday, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office was involved in multiple shootings with a person that they were trying to arrest on an outstanding warrant.
Juan Puente Jr fired at deputies and led them on several pursuits before being fatally shot.

Now, the small city of Saraland with a population of around 16,000 was once again thrown into the news spotlight when the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force located a homicide suspect out of Florida and shot him in the parking lot of a shopping center on Saraland Loop off Celeste Road Thursday afternoon.

Saraland Police Chief J.C. West says the suspect was taken to the hospital to be treated.

The US Marshal’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force was conducting surveillance on a suspect wanted in Florida. The marshals had tracked the wanted person and followed him from Satsuma into the Saraland jurisdiction.

Marshals blocked the person’s vehicle in and that’s when shots rang out according to a witness at a nearby bank.

West says the shooting occurred about 12:30 p.m. and that no officers or bystanders were injured.

During the incident, two stray bullets penetrated the library’s glass windows. Thankfully, no one inside the library was injured. Our library manager, Matt Cobb, responded swiftly and decisively, leading all staff and patrons to the back of the building and locking all entrances to ensure everyone’s safety. We are deeply grateful for the quick actions taken by our staff, which helped maintain a secure environment for all present.

The Saraland Police Department is actively investigating the incident, and we are cooperating fully with their efforts to ensure the continued safety of our library and the surrounding community. We remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for our patrons and will continue to monitor the situation closely in partnership with local authorities.

West says ALEA is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

For further information regarding the ongoing investigation, please contact the Saraland Police Department.

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