Major Crimes Unit investigating officer-involved shooting in Foley

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FOLEY, Alabama — The Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit is investigating after Foley police say a Georgia man was shot by one of their officers when he allegedly swung a knife at an officer in the early-morning hours Saturday, Sept. 11 on the walking trail to the west of the police department.

According to a release issued Saturday by BCMCU Commander Andre Reid, the Foley PD requested assistance from BCMCU following the shooting.

At approximately 3 a.m. a man, later identified as 32-year-old John Waldhauer of Georgia, was observed by a civilian employee standing around the back of the Foley Police Department. The employee offered Waldhauer assistance, but Waldhauer left the police department. Officers were dispatched to the area of the police department to investigate.

After arriving on scene, officers located and contacted Waldhauer on the walking trail. Officers determined that Waldhauer was armed with a knife and commanded Waldhauer to stop and drop the knife. He did not comply. Waldhauer was eventually shot with a Taser, but it was ineffective.

According to the release, Waldhauer ran from the officers and they caught up with him after a short foot pursuit.

“As they tried to take Waldhauer into custody, he swung the knife at an officer and one of the officers responded by shooting Waldhauer,” according to the release. Waldhauer was transported to a hospital in Pensacola, Fla. He was alert and his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Members of the BCMCU continue to conduct an independent inquiry into this incident.