DAPHNE – An investigation by the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit found that Daphne police acted in self-defense when officers shot and killed Derick L. Powe on April 17.
Powe, 29, died after being shot in the Daphmont community.
The Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit was called to conduct an independent investigation of the shooting and actions of the officers, according to a BCMCU statement.
Investigators interviewed several witnesses and seized and processed evidence in the case. The investigation found that Powe was armed with a firearm during the incident. He pointed the gun toward at least one officer. Daphne police shot Powe, the statement said.
The BCMCU found that the police acted in self-defense. “There are currently no findings of wrongdoing or criminal action by the officers involved in the shooting, however this case will be presented to a grand jury for review,” the statement said.
Some evidence will also be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for additional testing. The results of the investigation will be presented to the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The incident began when Daphne police were called to Daphmont at about 2:30 p.m. on April 17 after receiving reports that someone was pointing a gun at residents. Witnesses said Powe had been acting erratically all day and had already fired at least one shot. Powe later came out of his home and pointed the gun at neighbors again, according to BCMCU reports.
Daphne police began looking for Powe. At about 3 p.m., residents reported that the suspect was driving in the area. Police attempted to make a traffic stop. After stopping the vehicle, police ordered Powe to walk to the officers while keeping his hands visible.
“Mr. Powe presented a firearm and he was shot by the officers,” a BCMCU statement said.
