Officer shot, killed in Tuscaloosa; suspect in custody

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBMA) -- Tuscaloosa Police confirm an officer was shot and killed Monday afternoon in the city's West End.

Police identified the officer killed as 40-year-old Dornell Cousette. Cousette, a 13-year veteran, leaves behind two daughters and was engaged to be married.

Police say Officer Cousette chased a suspect, wanted on warrants, inside a home on the 1700 block of 33rd Ave around 6:20 p.m.

Once inside the house, the two exchanged gunfire leaving both injured, Cousette fatally. The suspect, unidentified, was transported to DCH and is in custody

"Tonight, one of our heroes has died in the line of duty protecting our city," said Mayor Walt Maddox at a news conference announcing Officer Cousette's death.

This is the fourth Alabama police officer killed in the line of duty in 2019.