The area surrounding the 3300 block of Campground Church Road near Luverne has been deemed safe after a situation requiring the response of multiple state and local law enforcement agencies. One suspect is in custody after firing shots at three other individuals at the residence in what is now identified as a home invasion and hostage situation.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney said the area was safe after confirmation from the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s office. ALEA issued a media release just after 5 p.m. identifying the suspect as Jerrol Leon McLeod, 62.

McLeod, a resident of Luverne, has been charged with attempted murder and first-degree burglary.

“The suspect… ultimately exited the residence and was taken into custody,” said ALEA Lt. Jeremy Burkett. “No one was struck or injured.”

Crenshaw County Chief Deputy Chris Stewart said the agencies cooperated to secure the area and deescalate the situation.

“Earlier today, law enforcement responded to a critical incident involving a barricaded individual and a hostage situation in the 3300 block of Campground Church Road,” Stewart shared via social media. “After several hours of coordinated efforts, the offender was safely taken into custody by the ALEA SWAT Team and has been booked into the Crenshaw County Detention Facility. Charges are currently pending, and the ALEA State Bureau of Investigations will lead the ongoing investigation.

“We are thankful to report that no injuries occurred, and the situation was resolved without further risk to public safety.”

An advisory issued by the Sheriff’s office Monday morning asked area residents and travelers to avoid the area. Residents in the area of the 3000 block of Campground Church Road were advised to stay indoors until the situation was resolved. 

Around 11 a.m., ALEA Highway Patrol Division Troopers, Special Agents assigned to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and members of ALEA’s SWAT Team responded to assist the Sheriff’s office with the situation.

The  SBI assumed the lead on the investigation around mid-afternoon Monday.

Luverne Police Department (LPD) Captain Mason Adcock said his department assisted the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Department at the scene. Crenshaw County Sheriff Terry Mears, Luverne Police Chief Michael Johnson and multiple units were there with other local agencies.

“Sheriff Mears would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the following agencies for their support and cooperation during this incident: Luverne Police Department, Brantley Police Department, ALEA, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Covington County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenville Police Department,” Stewart said.

“Additionally, we want to express our deepest appreciation to the emergency tele-communicators at Crenshaw Central E-9-1-1 for their professionalism and diligence in managing communications during such a tense situation. We also thank Luverne Rescue and Troy Fire Rescue for their readiness and support on the scene. Your work behind the scenes is invaluable and greatly contributes to the safety of our community.”

Details surrounding the incident remain unclear as law enforcement continue to process the scene and McKinney said ALEA public relations department will send out an update as soon as possible.

“We understand incidents like this can create concern, and we are grateful for the community’s patience and support as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Crenshaw County,” Stewart added.

McLeod was booked into the Crenshaw County Jail where he is being held without bond.

No officers were injured during the course of the incident. Burkett said the scene has been cleared and deemed safe for those who live and travel in the area.

Burkett also noted northing further is available as SBI continues its ongoing investigation. Once, complete, the findings will be turned over to District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer’s office.