By Carol Robinson
al.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — A Jefferson County grand jury has cleared a Birmingham police officer of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of a 38-year-old man in the deck of UAB St. Vincent’s hospital.
The investigation into the deadly shooting was led by the Birmingham Police Department .
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Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr said Thursday that after reviewing the evidence compiled during the probe, the decision was made to present the case to a grand jury to determine whether the officer should be charged criminally.
“After a full and fair consideration of all the evidence, the Jefferson County grand jury decided that charges were not warranted and that the officer’s actions were justified based upon the facts and the law,” Carr said.
The incident began around 12:35 p.m. that Thursday when a security guard flagged down an officer and reported the man assaulted an employee at a Southside McDonald’s, police Chief Michael Pickett said.
The officer, a seven-year veteran of the department whose name was not released, saw Massey, who had run across University Boulevard, and tried to detain him, Pickett said.
“That individual did not comply, and a foot pursuit ensued,” Pickett said.
Massey ran into the parking deck near the North Tower , where the officer ordered the man to stop, Pickett said.
“Again, the individual did not comply,” Pickett said.
The officer, Pickett said, deployed his taser to try to detain Massey. “The individual began to attempt to gain control of the officer’s taser,” Pickett said.
The officer then shot Massey, Pickett said. Emergency personnel responded and rendered aid.
Officers initially put out a call for all available help, drawing officers from across the city. Officers were later told to return to their precincts. Police blocked off traffic on University Boulevard.
Massey was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:51 p.m.
“He had a loving and generous heart and a gift for making people laugh. His sense of humor brought light into the lives of those around him, and he had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome,” the tribute read. “He cared deeply for his family and friends and was fiercely loyal to the people he loved.”
The obituary said Massey grew up loving skateboard and was a lifelong Alabama football fan.
“Those who knew will remember his humor, his kindness, his loyalty, and, most of all, his heart. He leaves behind countless memories and a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.”
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