Alabama factory shooting leaves two dead and two injured
Gunman found dead with multiple weapons after seemingly turning firearm on himself
Three people are dead and two others are injured after a shooting at a fire hydrant factory in Alabama. The gunman was found dead and appeared to have turned his weapon on himself, police said.
The shooting took place around 2.30am on Tuesday morning at the Mueller Co plant in Albertville in the northeastern part of the state, WAAY reported.
Albertville Police Chief Jamie Smith said the shooter was an employee at the plant, but that the reason behind the shooting was “unknown”.
During a press conference later in the day, Chief Smith identified the shooter as Andreas Horton. He said Michael Dobbins and David Lee Horton were shot and killed at the Mueller Water Products plant.
The police chief went on to say that Isaac Byrd and Casey Sampson were wounded and taken to a hospital in Chattanooga in Tennessee, WAAY reported.
The shooter was found dead along with his vehicle and multiple weapons just before 6am in Guntersville, about 26 miles northwest of where the shooting took place.
The Mueller Co plant manufactures fire hydrants and others products for water distribution. Mueller Co has 11 locations around the US and Canada.
The company released this statement: “Mueller Water Products is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred early this morning at our Albertville, AL, facility.
“Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones, the Albertville community and the entire Mueller family during this extremely difficult time. Our entire focus is on the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, and we are committed to providing any and all support to them and their families.
“We continue to work closely with law enforcement, with whom we share our deepest gratitude for their support.”
Horton reportedly fled in a vehicle after the shooting and was not found until hours later.
The plant of Mueller Co is situated in an industrial park that houses a number of other companies, close to the city limits of Boaz and Albertville.
Police said earlier that other businesses in the surrounding area “are safe to conduct business as normal” and that “there is no danger to the public”.
Those who were injured were initially taken to Marshall Medical Center South in Boaz. Their conditions were not immediately made clear.