Man shot girlfriend, fired at officer before being shot

SELMA, Ala. – Alabama officers killed a man who shot his girlfriend during a domestic dispute and fired at police when they arrived, authorities said Friday.

Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson said Earnest Fells, 62, shot his girlfriend in front of her children Thursday night because “he felt like she came home too late.” The State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release that the Selma Police Department was called to a home because of the dispute.

Jackson said Fells threatened to kill himself. He said officers tried to calm the man down until he shot at police and they returned fire, killing him. Jackson said the couple has a history of domestic violence calls.

An officer was wounded in the exchange but Jackson said the injuries aren’t life-threatening. The woman is expected to survive.

Both she and Fells are black, Jackson said. The officer was not identified.

The state bureau is investigating the shooting at the Selma Police Department’s request. Its findings will be turned over to Jackson’s office to determine whether to bring any changes.