Crime
28-year-old Nathan Littleton killed in Tuscumbia shooting, suspect DeKoven Williams in custody
One person has been arrested in connection with the shooting, and another individual is being questioned.
UPDATE: A Lauderdale County man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred over the weekend.
Nathan Littleton, 28, was found deceased inside a home on Paul E. Johnson Drive just after 7 p.m. on Sunday. Authorities discovered that he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
DeKoven Melique Williams, 27, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning.
Authorities stated that they interviewed two witnesses who provided information related to Littleton’s death.
It’s worth noting that Williams was recently arrested and charged with domestic violence strangulation/suffocation, interference with an emergency domestic violence call, and violation of a protective order in Lauderdale County. He was arrested on September 16 and was released on bond 10 days later, as reported by the Times Daily.
Williams is currently incarcerated in the Colbert County Jail without bond and is awaiting an Aniah’s Law hearing.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A tragic shooting incident occurred Sunday night in Tuscumbia, resulting in the death of one individual.
The Tuscumbia Police Department responded to a report of a shooting victim on Paul E. Johnson Memorial Drive.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a man lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as 28-year-old Nathan Littleton.
His body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for a postmortem examination.
Chief Tony Logan of the TPD stated that the case is currently being investigated as a death investigation, pending the results of the autopsy.
The TPD has confirmed that one person has been arrested in connection with the shooting, and another individual is being questioned.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Tuscumbia Police Department at 256-383-3121.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.