Sheriff Blake Dorning
MADISON COUNTY-Madison County Sheriff Blake Dorning released a statement concerning the shooting of a man by an officer on Wednesday, January 20:
“Sheriff Blake Dorning announced today that on 1/20/2016 at approximately 11:03 pm, a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call for service in the area of Inspirational Drive and Hwy 231 North in the Meridianville community of North Madison County. The Deputy was responding to a report of an armed person acting erratically at a nearby convenience store.
Upon arrival, the Deputy attempted to make contact with Randy Joe Sanders, Jr., white male, Date of Birth 5/28/1982, a resident of Madison County. Mr. Sanders appeared to be the subject about whom the earlier call had been made. Mr. Sanders refused to communicate with the Deputy and fled.
A short foot pursuit ensued. Mr. Sanders was in possession of a handgun and refused the Deputy’s repeated commands to stop and show his hands. In response to the threat posed by Mr. Sander’s, the Deputy fired his weapon striking him. Mr. Sanders was transported to Huntsville Hospital with a gunshot wound and died after surgery.
At Sheriff Dorning’s request, the Huntsville Police Department responded to conduct a thorough investigation of these events. A shooting review board will review the events to determine the details early next week. No further information will be released until the investigation is completed. “
