Decatur, AL – A tragic incident unfolded on the morning of September 29, 2023, in Decatur, Alabama, resulting in the loss of Stephen Clay Perkins, a 39-year-old man. The circumstances surrounding this officer-involved shooting in the 3900 block of Ryan Drive SW have sparked a demand for transparency and a thorough investigation from the victim’s family.
According to reports, officers were initially called to a local towing company in response to a man with a gun complaint. The situation escalated when a tow truck driver attempted to repossess a vehicle, and the homeowner, later identified as Stephen Perkins, allegedly brandished a handgun, prompting the driver to flee the scene.
Officers and the tow truck driver proceeded to the residence on Ryan Drive, where Perkins emerged armed with a handgun, further intensifying the confrontation. Authorities ordered Perkins to drop his weapon, but he reportedly turned the gun towards one of the officers, leading to the officer discharging his duty weapon, fatally injuring Perkins.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, the family of Stephen Clay Perkins issued a statement, urging transparency from the City of Decatur and the Decatur Alabama Police Department regarding the incident. The family expressed trauma over the loss and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into the encounter. They also demanded the release of body camera footage and called for justice and accountability, urging the removal of officers involved in the incident.
The family contested rumors suggesting Perkins’s car was being repossessed at the time of the incident, presenting financial receipts indicating the vehicle’s payments were up to date. The demand for justice and a comprehensive investigation underscores the need for clarity and accountability in this tragic episode.
Reynolds Funeral Home, in a somber announcement, conveyed the passing of Mr. Stephen Clay Perkins, signifying the heart-wrenching reality of this untimely loss. Arrangements for honoring Perkins’s memory are pending and will be shared with the public at a later date. The community awaits further developments in this ongoing investigation, hoping for a fair and just resolution.
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