A man wanted in Columbus and Macon has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder in Alabama after Tuscaloosa police say he shot at multiple officers at an apartment complex.
Devonte Lavon Farmer, 20, of Noxubee County, was arrested for three counts of attempted murder Monday, according to area law enforcement. Farmer, who is also wanted for shootings in Columbus and Macon, shot at three officers from Tuscaloosa Police Department who were called to the apartment complex to investigate reports of an individual walking around with a gun, according to a release on TPD’s Facebook page.
The officers found Farmer on a golf course at the apartment complex. The release says Farmer ignored commands by the officers to drop his weapon and then fired multiple shots at them. Officers from other law enforcement agencies were called to the scene and Farmer surrendered just after 5 p.m., after hiding in a grassy area and shallow parts of a nearby lake for more than an hour.
Farmer and two officers were taken to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa for non life-threatening injuries. One officer was shot in his bullet-proof vest and another received a “minor injury.” They were both treated and released. Farmer was treated for a gunshot wound to the hand.
Macon Police Department Assistant Chief Douglas Triplett said Farmer is also wanted for four counts of aggravated assault and two counts of malicious mischief for a December shooting in an apartment complex in Macon, during which Farmer allegedly shot at four people, three of whom were juveniles. He also damaged cars in the parking lot.
Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton confirmed Farmer is also wanted for a December shooting in Columbus during which an individual was injured and taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle.
Tuscaloosa’s Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the case. VCU is not affiliated with TPD, according to TPD press releases on the incident. The three officers involved in the shooting are all on administrative leave, per department policy.
Farmer is in custody in Tuscaloosa on $300,000 bond.
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