ALEA Investigating Deputy-Involved Shooting During Domestic Violence Response in Madison County

TONEY, AL (BuzzReport)— A Madison County Sheriff’s deputy shot an armed suspect Saturday after responding to an active domestic violence call where authorities say a woman was being chased and fired upon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

The shooting occurred on Saturday, July 18, in the 100 block of Pulley Lane in the Toney community. At the request of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents with ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) have assumed responsibility for investigating the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure in Alabama for incidents involving law enforcement use of deadly force.

According to ALEA, deputies responded to reports of an in-progress domestic violence incident. When they arrived, they encountered a chaotic and dangerous scene in which a woman was being pursued by an armed man who was actively firing a handgun at her.

Authorities said a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect and ending the immediate threat.

The suspect was identified as Jody Drake Jr., 42, of Toney. He was transported to Huntsville Hospital, where he received medical treatment for his injuries. His current condition has not been released.

Investigators said the woman who was being chased was not injured during the incident. No deputies were hurt.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency emphasized that its investigation remains active and that no additional information is being released at this time. Upon completion of the investigation, the agency’s findings will be submitted to the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, which will review the evidence and determine whether any further legal action is warranted.

As investigators continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review the circumstances surrounding the shooting, officials are urging the public to allow the investigative process to proceed before drawing conclusions.

No additional details have been released.