BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Authorities released new information, including the identity of the suspect, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting that followed a pursuit that began Wednesday at Sardis Middle School.

Investigators say Ian Sullivan, 54, of Boaz, dropped his child off at school before driving the car the wrong way.

Etowah Co. Sheriff’s Office. says that when school staff stopped Sullivan, he began arguing with school staff, prompting them to call the police to help defuse the situation.

According to the Sardis City Police Chief, the responding officer says he smelled alcohol on Sullivan’s breath and that Sullivan refused to get out of the vehicle so the officer could make sure it was safe to drive. Instead, Sullivan took off in his car, fleeing the school.

ECSO says because the officer believed he was a possible DUI and a danger to the public, he chased Sullivan, who led the officer on a chase back to his home in the 2800 block of Lawson Gap Road.

That’s when investigators say Sullivan opened fire on that officer, who had no choice but to defend himself, striking and killing Sullivan.

According to the Sardis police chief, the officer had just undergone training for such situations.

“He took the class last Tuesday, went out three days after the class and practiced the techniques they teach, then yesterday (Wednesday) he was involved in the shooting and was able to implement the tactics exactly as they were taught.” Sardis Police Chief William Alexander said.

ECSO is investigating the incident along with the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics.

The sheriff says Sullivan had no criminal record.

Authorities say the incident was captured on body camera footage and that Sullivan, who allegedly fired first, emptied his gun of bullets by firing at the officer, whose patrol car was disabled due to the severe damage he sustained. suffered in the exchange of fire.

“It’s unfortunate that these events happened the way they did, but unfortunately when you pull a gun and you shoot at someone or a law enforcement officer, the end result should be that you get shot back and from unfortunately, it resulted in the death of this suspect,” said Etowah Co. Sheriff. Jonathan Horton.

The sheriff also provided the following timeline of events that occurred Wednesday:

7:25 AM: Sardis City Police Officer arrives at Sardis Middle School, speaks with Sullivan for approximately nine minutes.

7:34 a.m.: Sullivan leaves Sardis Middle School in his car and the responding officer follows.

7:41 a.m.: Sullivan and the officer arrive in Sullivan’s driveway. Sullivan exits the car and begins shooting at the responding officer. The officer returns fire, at one point hitting and killing Sullivan.

At 7:45 a.m., the first backup arrived on scene to assist the Sardis City Officer.

Etowah Co. Superintendent of Schools. said all students were inside during the incident at the school, but that the school system is making sure every resource they have is available to those who need it, including Sullivan’s son and other family members.

“Our staff and our school system have reached out to the family, so we are in the process of vetting the young man and we will continue to do so throughout this process to take advantage of whatever services we have, not only to help . him, but to help the family as well,” said Superintendent Dr. Alan Cosby.

Dr. Cosby says counselors and other resources are available at the school for other staff or students who may need it.

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