HOOVER – New evidence indicated the person killed by Hoover police at the Riverchase Galleria on Thursday, Nov. 22, was not the shooter who injured two other victims, and the shooter is believed to remain at-large.

Emantic J. Bradford, 21, of Hueytown, was shot by Hoover police during the incident at the mall amid the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush.

An original news release from HPD said Bradford fired the shots that injured the other two victims, but the department later said new evidence indicated that while Bradford may have been involved in the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that injured the two other victims.

Investigators now believe more than two people were involved in the original altercation and that the shooter is still at-large.

Anyone with information concerning the incidents should contact Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 254-7777.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation will investigate the incident at the request of Tenth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Mike Anderton, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale, Sheriff-Elect Mark Pettway and Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We want everyone who lives in, works in, works for, or visits Hoover to know that we are a city that puts safety and respect in the highest regard for all citizens,” read a joint statement from HPD and the city of Hoover. “We will be transparent throughout the course of this investigation.

“We extend sympathy to the family of Emantic J. Bradford of Hueytown, who was shot and killed during Hoover police efforts to secure the scene in the seconds following the original altercation and shooting. The loss of human life is a tragedy under any circumstances.

“We can say with certainty Mr. Bradford brandished a gun during the seconds following the gunshots, which instantly heightened the sense of threat to approaching police officers responding to the chaotic scene. Body camera video and other available video was immediately turned over to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department as part of the investigation. Now, all evidence has been handed over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to lead the investigation. Release of any video will be done as ALEA deems appropriate during the investigation.

“Our thoughts are also with the family of the 18-year-old young man who suffered gunshot wounds in the altercation between mall patrons, as well as the family of the 12-year-old girl who was an innocent bystander also wounded by gunfire in the initial shooting.

“These are just some of the many lives that were immediately impacted by an event so unnecessary on what should have been a peaceful Thanksgiving evening. We continue to support ALEA in its investigation of last Thursday’s tragic events, including pursuing the initial shooter who still remains at large. We have certain information about this individual and ask the public to provide ALEA with any available details that may hasten an arrest.”