14 DAY TRIAL // A school bus driver has been shot in Dale County, Alabama, with the suspect getting away with a hostage. The man is still at large and believed to be armed and dangerous.
The shooting occurred on Tuesday, January 29, at 3:36 p.m. At the time of this report, the assailant is not in police custody and the hostage situation has not been resolved.
Local law enforcement officials have issued a press release detailing where the crime occurred. A command post was set up, as the search for the attacker continues.
“The Dale County Sheriff's Department has established a command post location at the intersection of 231 North and Private Road 1539 in Dale County, Alabama following a shooting.
“One adult male was shot and the suspect is not in custody. Further details will be released as they become available.
“Multiple agencies are present assisting with the incident. Authorities say a call was received regarding a shooting involving a Dale County School Bus at 3:36 p.m.,” it reads.
According to the Examiner, the shooter became angry when the driver refused to let him take the male student off the bus. He pulled out a weapon and ordered all the other passengers to leave the vehicle.
Pastor Michael Senn quoted a girl on the bus, confirming that the unidentified suspect shot the driver four times and left with a 6-year-old boy. They were seen fleeing towards a nearby church.
The driver, whose name has not been disclosed to the press, lost his life in the incident. Schools in Dale County and Ozark City remain closed today, until the situation is resolved.
“School System Authorities have confirmed that all Dale County and Ozark City Schools will be closed on Wednesday January 30, 2012,” says Sheriff Olson's spokesman, Sgt. David Dothan Police Department. Update: Police have identified the suspect in the abduction and murder. 65- year-old Jimmy Lee Dykes has one prior arrest on December 22. ABC 3340 reports that the stand-off continues, and he is still at large.