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Ala. officer fatally shot trying to arrest drunk driver

The Associated Press

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A Huntsville police officer shot in the head in an arrest attempt died from his wound.

At a news conference, police said Officer William Eric Freeman, 36, of Hazel Green, who was married and had five children, died yesterday morning from the wound he received Friday night.

Police Chief Henry Reyes said 53-year-old Kenneth Shipp has been charged with capital murder in the officer’s death. Shipp is being held without bond.

Reyes said Freeman and officer Kevin Lambert had been called to investigate a traffic accident with injuries at 8:43 p.m. When they arrived at 8:51 p.m., the chief said, they found Shipp sitting on the curb.

As the officers tried to arrest him for driving under the influence, Reyes said, Shipp pulled a pistol and shot Freeman in the head.

Lambert struggled with Shipp, Reyes said, and two bystanders helped Lambert subdue him.