TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- A man is charged with attempted murder after he allegedly removed an officer's weapon in Tuscaloosa on Monday morning.
According to Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, a Tuscaloosa police officer made contact around 10:45 a.m. with Cedric Leon Tinker, 44, in the 3600 block of Stillman Boulevard. Police received calls several times in the past few days regarding Tinker as family members reported he was experiencing a mental health issue.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department consulted a mental health officer. The decision was made to transport Tinker to a hospital for evaluation after police met with family, social workers, interviewed Tinker and reviewing incidents occurring in the last week.
Kennedy stated Tinker refused to be taken to a hospital and became aggressive toward law enforcement. While being taken into custody, Tinker allegedly assaulted several officers and made threats toward them. As police tried to restrain Tinker on the ground, he allegedly grabbed an officer's weapon and gained possession of it. The firearm discharged but didn't strike anyone.
According to Kennedy, officers retrieved the weapon and took Tinker into custody. The TVCU started to investigate the case that included witnesses and body-worn camera footage.
The investigation led to Tinker being charged with attempted murder, disarming a law enforcement officer and second-degree assault. He was committed to jail with no bond.