MOBILE, Ala -- University of South Alabama freshman, Gil Collar, was killed early this morning after allegedly attacking a campus police officer outside the police department.
The 18-year-old was a 2012 graduate of Wetumpka High School in Wetumpka, Ala and an avid wrestler.
According to a University of South Alabama report, campus police responded to a loud banging noise on the window of the police station. When an officer stepped outside to investigate, he was confronted by a muscular, nude man who was acting erratically. The man repeatedly rushed and verbally challenged the office in a fighting stance.
USA reports the officer, with his weapon drawn, ordered the individual to halt. The officer retreated numerous times in an attempt to calm the situation. The individual continued to press toward the officer in a threatening manner.
When the individual continued to rush toward the officer and ignored the officer's repeated commands to stop, the officer fired one shot with his police sidearm, which struck the chest of the assailant.
The individual fell to the ground, but he got up once more and continued to challenge the officer further before collapsing and expiring.
Immediately after the incident, the USA Police Department contacted the District Attorney's Office to request an external investigation. Mobile County Sheriff's Department will assist. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and external reviews.
Officials in Mobile are conducting a press conference. You can tune in to WSFA 12 News at 6 where we will update the information regarding this death as it is made available.
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