Crime
21-year-old James Sencer Bowen Jr killed after shooting outside Engineered Plastics Components in Bessemer
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.

Bessemer police are continuing their search for a suspect following a deadly shooting that occurred at Engineered Plastics Components Inc. on Monday afternoon.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of the factory, located off Greenwood Parkway, around 3:45 PM. A male victim was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
This homicide follows a violent Labor Day weekend that shocked the Bessemer community.
While some residents and workers in the area express a sense of desensitization to such violence, others are deeply disturbed by the incident.
Bessemer police have stated that Monday’s fatal shooting is believed to be an isolated incident and that the public is not considered to be in danger.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 21-year-old James Sencer Bowen, Jr.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Crime
Officer-Involved Shooting in Bartow Leaves Three Injured, Including Two Officers

BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.
The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.
The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.