Follow-up 2/15/2019 10:00 pm:
With the assistance of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the named suspect, Christopher James Wallace, and an unidentified female suspect were determined to be located at a relative’s residence in the 1000 block of Stonegate Dr in Auburn, AL. While attempting to make a tactical entry into the residence, the suspect shot at officers, who returned gunfire. Two uninvolved occupants exited the residence uninjured and were detained. After being ordered to exit the apartment, the suspects failed to do so. Tear gas and distraction devices were deployed into the residence; however the suspects refused to exit. Shortly after, a fire erupted inside the apartment. Officers continued to secure the area; however, the suspects never emerged from the apartment, which became fully engulfed in fire. The suspects are believed to have perished in the fire.
The investigation is on-going by the Auburn Police Division, the Opelika Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, and the US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. Other assisting agencies are the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
We are thankful to report that the injured officer’s condition is stable at this time.
Original Story:
Auburn, Ala - At approximately 5:30 pm officers from the Auburn Police Division responded to the 400 block of N Dean Rd in reference to a reported robbery of a business in progress. Officers were provided with a suspect vehicle description. An Auburn officer spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Opelika Rd. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer was met with gunfire. The officer was struck multiple times. The suspect vehicle, described as a silver 2006 Jeep Liberty, Alabama tag 6AB5267, fled the scene in an unknown direction.
The vehicle was occupied by a white male and white female. A person of interest is identified as Christopher James Wallace, 38 years old.
The Auburn Police officer was transported to East Alabama Medical Center for treatment.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Auburn Police Division at (334) 501-3140 or at the tip line, (334) 246-1391