Huntsville, Alabama (October 20, 2014) On Friday, October 17, 2014 an Incident Review Board was convened to examine evidence and hear testimony related to the use of deadly force in an incident involving 34 y/o Reginald Owens on October 7th. The Board was chaired by Lieutenant K. O’Connell and consisted of Sergeant N. Jackson, Sgt. J. Sumlin and Officer T. Dykes. Representatives from the City Attorney’s Office, the Madison County District Attorney’s Office and the Huntsville Police Department Citizen Advisory Council were also present to review evidence and hear testimony.
On October 7, 2014, Reginald Owens burst through the barricade of the secured lot located at 815 Wheeler Avenue. He struck an on-duty Police Officer who was sitting in his patrol unit. When police approached his vehicle to render aid after impact, Owens lunged at the Police Officer with a large fixed blade knife attempting to harm the officer. Two Huntsville Police officers discharged their weapons at the offender. He was struck during this event and later succumbed to his injuries.
After careful review of the evidence and testimony, the Board concluded that the Officer’s actions were in accordance with Departmental policies. Huntsville Police Chief Lewis Morris concurred with the findings of the Review Board and the Officers involved have been returned to full duty status.
