The Birmingham News
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- A man remained hospitalized with gunshot wounds that authorities said were inflicted by his wife, a Birmingham police officer.
Eric Neal, 30, was in fair condition Monday at University Hospital. His wife, North Precinct Officer Lanita Mabry-Neal, was charged with first-degree assault domestic violence and out of jail on $50,000 bond.
The 29-year-old officer, a mother of five, was placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the case.
The shooting happened Friday shortly after Mabry-Neal finished her 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. patrol shift, police said. Her husband picked her up from work and they went to a Taco Bell to meet her sister, who was visiting from out of town.
After leaving the restaurant in two cars -- the Neals in one and the sister in another -- Mabry-Neal abruptly stopped the car she was driving. Both she and her husband got out, said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Sgt. Randy Christian.
“They’re arguing in the middle of the street and she starts shooting,” Christian said.
Eric Neal was shot four times: in his hand, his right chest and once in each shoulder. Mabry-Neal then got in her sister’s vehicle and went to the Bessemer Police Department, leaving her husband bleeding in the street, police said.
Upon arriving at the police station, she told officers she was concerned about her husband but wouldn’t say why, Christian said.
Meanwhile, a motorist found Neal and called for help. Neal told deputies who shot him and was flown by helicopter to the hospital.
Bessemer police quickly figured out who Mabry-Neal was and why she was there, Christian said, and she was arrested.
The couple have been married 11 years. Mabry-Neal has been on the Birmingham police force for about two years.