Man claiming to have 'portal to Hell' charged with firing on Ala. deputies

SWAT officers, Alabama DOC tracking dogs and a helicopter were deployed to the scene after the man fled into a wooded area


By Carol Robinson
al.com

CARBON HILL, Ala. — A man claiming to have a “portal to Hell’' is under arrest after reportedly shooting at Walker County sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies responded Thursday afternoon to Lost Creek Road near Carbon Hill on a welfare check after family members of a man feared he could harm himself or someone else. The man claimed to have a “portal to hell,’’ said Walker County sheriff’s spokesman T.J. Armstrong.

When deputies arrived on the scene, authorities said, Anthony Mitchell pulled a handgun and fired on them. Deputies did not return fire.

The suspect then fled into a wooded area, Armstrong said. SWAT officers, Alabama Department of Corrections tracking dogs and a helicopter were deployed to the scene.

The suspect was found hiding in a metal out building. Officers used a flash bang – a distraction device – to make entry into the building.

Smith was taken into custody. Authorities said he had covered himself in black spray paint.

He is charged with attempted murder for firing on law enforcement officers.

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McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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