James Walker Stewart
By Greg Garrison | [email protected]
A uniformed patrol officer shot a man Sunday after a traffic stop led to a struggle over the officer’s weapon, according to Lt. Andre Reid, commander for the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit.
At about 12:30 a.m., a patrol officer initiated a traffic stop for improper lane usage at Brinks Willis Road and James Road.
The passenger in the vehicle was acting suspicious once the vehicle stopped, and he fled on foot.
The officer deployed his Taser, but was unsuccessful.
The offender, James Walker Stewart, 33, continued to run, the sheriff’s office said. The officer made contact and a fight ensued. Stewart tried to take the officer’s gun, according to the sheriff’s office.
During the fight, the officer discharged his gun, striking Stewart, the report said. Stewart was taken by ambulance to USA Hospital in Mobile. Stewart underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
The officer suffered minor injuries.
Stewart been charged with attempt to elude and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors, and 2nd degree assault and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. Stewart also has unrelated felony warrants out of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. The officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending investigation as per protocol. Chief David Wilson has requested that the Baldwin County Major Crimes Unit, a multi-agency task force, to investigate this incident. This case is still under investigation.
