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Alabama Sheriff Shot And Killed; Suspect Returns To Scene And Surrenders
November 24, 2019
An Alabama sheriff was shot and killed at a gas station Saturday night.
Lowndes County Sheriff John “Big John” Williams was shot at the Hayneville QV convenience store at the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 97, across the street from the Lowndes County Courthouse. The gas station is located west of I-65 south of Montgomery.
The State of Alabama has issued a Blue Alert for suspect 18-year old William Chase Johnson. Johnson later returned to the scene early Sunday morning and surrendered.
Sheriff Williams was in law enforcement for over 40 years. He first volunteered as a reserve deputy in 1978.
“I’m saddened to hear about Sheriff Big John Williams, who was tragically killed this evening in the line of duty,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said Saturday night. “Through his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps and his many years working in law enforcement, he dedicated his life to keeping other people safe. He will be remembered as a consummate professional and pillar of his community. I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to the men and women of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.”
“Alabama mourns the loss of Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams, who was killed in the line of duty,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said. “Sheriff Williams dedicated over 40 years of his life to public safety, including 19 years as Sheriff. Please pray for his family and fellow officers.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
17 Responses to “Alabama Sheriff Shot And Killed; Suspect Returns To Scene And Surrenders”
Prayers to this great man’s family and friends.
Sheriff Williams’ family, you’re on my mind and in my prayers. As I was reading another news article about this story, it mentioned Sheriff Tom Boatwright. I couldn’t believe it. Tom Boatwright was just a child, the last time I saw him! I’m old. And heartbroken that another good man is gone. May God be with the ones that are hurting so bad today.
Sincere Condolences to the Family and Colleagues of Sheriff Williams. May Justice be swift and commensurate with the crime.
And when he gets to Heaven
To St. Peter he will tell
“Another Marine reporting, sir
I”ve served my time in hell”.
Rest, Warrior, Semper Fidelis
I know this area very well as I am from Lowndes county, The store where this happen, my daddy and mama operated Hayneville Amoco for years. The store has since been rebuilt int a larger QV store. Sheriff John is a Veteran and multi year law enforcement officer may he rest in peace.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR MANY DEDICATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO KEEP THE PEACE AND SAFETY OF YOUR CITIZENS
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
So very sad for this man’s family and friends. Also, sad for the shooter’s family and friends. He has to live with what he did, and he knew he was wrong or would now have turned himself in. Someone taught him right from wrong. Sadness and heart ache all the way around. Prayers for healing all around.
So sad, two families lives ruined , this kid has a long , hard road ahead of him. And the sad thing is for what, just to look tuff.
Tragic Loss for any peace officer to be lost to murder.
Is there any idea as to a motive for this 18-year old to have committed this killing?
Prayers for the family, LEO and community.
Hopefully, full justice to the maximum will take place.
Another senseless act! The boy should be put to death and not remain housed up for 50or 60 years in a heated/air-conditioned facility with decent food, recreation time, etc.
Such a sad story and tragic loss. RIP and Semper Fi, my brother. Thank you for your MANY years of service to our country and our communities. May God comfort the family and friends of this great man.
Tragic Loss. Semper Fi Brother
..Always saddened to hear of the loss of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty..God bless his family and the entire Lowndes county sheriff’s department…
A tragic loss of a great American. Hope the killer is sentenced to death.
It’s sad all the way around. His life is over would be lucky if the don’t give him the death penalty.
Bless his soul Father…in Jesus’s name…amen
So sorry for the loss of another Officer! Prayers going out to all family, friends and all our law enforcement near and far! Glad the shooter turned himself in!