FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about two suspects who broke into a car in the 5000 block of Little Turtle Drive in Shelby County, according to an SCSO press release.

On Saturday, Jan. 31 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call where an unknown suspect was reportedly breaking into a car at a residence in the 5000 block of Little Turtle Drive.

The property owner confronted the suspect while he was breaking into his car at which time a second suspect shot at the property owner. The homeowner was armed and shot back at both suspects who fled in a dark sedan traveling south on Alabama Highway 119, according to the press release.

The homeowner was uninjured and it is unknown if the suspects were injured when he returned fire. It is believed the sedan was hit by gunfire.

The homeowner described one suspect as a black male approximately 6’0″ and 160 pound, the release stated. The suspects are considered at large at this time.

Sheriff’s investigators and evidence technicians are continuing to investigate, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the number of “car burglaries” reported in residential neighborhoods, particularly along the U.S. Highway 280 corridor,” the release stated. “Sheriff’s deputies routinely patrol these subdivisions hoping their presence will deter those responsible and also with the intent of catching and arresting them. In addition, targeted patrol of these neighborhoods at night will remain in place.”

The crime of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle is a felony.

Anyone with additional information about this crime is urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at (205) 669-4181, through the Secret Witness line at (205) 669-9116, or through www.shelbyso.com by clicking on the “Report Criminal Activity” link and choosing “General Information.”