North Alabama Man Shot by Deputy After Fleeing Traffic Stop, Brandishing Firearm

Authorities say the incident occurred after the motorcyclist refused to pull over and then threatened deputies with a weapon.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun trigger and grip, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the tense, gritty nature of an officer-involved shooting incident.A stark visual investigation into the tools of a dangerous encounter between law enforcement and an armed suspect.Huntsville Today

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, April 1 in Leighton, Alabama. According to ALEA, Colbert County deputies attempted to stop a motorcyclist, later identified as William Robert Marlar, who failed to pull over and led them on a pursuit. The chase ended near the intersection of Cotton Town Lane and King Bridge Road, where Marlar allegedly brandished a firearm at the deputies. A deputy then returned fire, striking Marlar, who was transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment. No deputies were injured during the incident, which remains under investigation.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings are a sensitive and controversial topic, with concerns over use of force and public safety. This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when pursuing suspects who refuse to comply with orders and escalate the situation by threatening officers with weapons.

The details

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the incident began around 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 when Colbert County deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcyclist, later identified as William Robert Marlar. Marlar allegedly failed to pull over and led the deputies on a pursuit that ended near the intersection of Cotton Town Lane and King Bridge Road in Leighton. ALEA reported that Marlar then brandished a firearm at the deputies, prompting one of the deputies to return fire and strike Marlar. Marlar was transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment, while no deputies were injured during the exchange.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 1 at 10:50 p.m.
  • The chase ended near the intersection of Cotton Town Lane and King Bridge Road in Leighton.

The players

William Robert Marlar

The motorcyclist who allegedly failed to stop for Colbert County deputies and then brandished a firearm, leading to an officer-involved shooting.

Colbert County deputies

The law enforcement officers who attempted to conduct the traffic stop and were involved in the pursuit and shooting incident.

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What’s next

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing to investigate the officer-involved shooting incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when pursuing suspects who refuse to comply with orders and escalate the situation, as well as the ongoing need for thorough investigations into officer-involved shootings to ensure accountability and public trust.