SPD turns shooting investigation over to ABI

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 3, 2005

State officials are probing the shooting of an 11-year-old boy by an off-duty Selma Police officer, at the request of the city of Selma.

Mayor James Perkins Jr. said that because of statements made by the boy’s father, the SPD would

“transfer” the case to the Alabama Bureau of Investigations.

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“The Selma Police Department will provide any and all support requested,” Perkins said, reading from a prepared statement at a press conference in the City Council chambers yesterday.

Reginald Fitts, the officer under investigation, was off-duty when he allegedly shot his 11-year-old nephew, Steven.

The boy was transported to Vaughan Regional Medical Center and then to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. His father, Steven Simpson, said the boy would have to have reconstructive surgery on his jaw and mouth.

Police called the shooting accidental and placed Fitts on paid leave pending an investigation of the incident, standard procedure in any case in which an officer shoots someone.

Simpson said the incident was no accident, and that Fitts shot the boy they came to the home R. Fitts shares with his mother on Lawrence. Simpson said that Fitts should have known the boy was coming over to pick up some clothes.

“Accidents don’t happen like that,” Simpson said.

Simpson called for criminal charges in the case.

Perkins, flanked by Assistant Chief Jimmy Martin, said he was sorry the incident occurred.

“I want to express my sincere sorry to young master Steven Fitts and to all of the members of his family,” Perkins said. “Know that we are praying for his speedy recovery.”

Perkins said city officials wouldn’t answer any more questions about the incident.

“No public statements will be made about this investigation by the City of Selma until the investigation is completed by ABI,” he said.

Attempts to contact Officer Fitts were unsuccessful.