Alabama police shooting: Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. charged in Tuscaloosa officer's death

Update 5:31 a.m. EDT Sept. 18: According to WIAT, 20-year-old Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. is facing a capital murder charge in the death of Cousette, who was slain Monday during a shootout at a Tuscaloosa home, authorities said.

Watkins, who also was hurt, left the scene but was later apprehended at a Northport hospital, AL.com reported.

WIAT reported that Watkins is still recovering from his wounds. He is not eligible for bond, authorities said.

Original report: An Alabama police officer has died following a shootout with a suspect at a Tuscaloosa home, authorities said.

According to AL.com, Tuscaloosa police Officer Dornell Cousette, 40, was attempting to serve a warrant just before 6:30 p.m. Monday when the suspect, who had been sitting on the porch, fled inside the home. As the pair exchanged fire, Cousette suffered a gunshot wound to the face, and the suspect, who also was hurt, left the scene, officials said.

First responders rushed Cousette to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead, AL.com reported.

Authorities later apprehended the suspect, a 20-year-old man, at a Northport hospital, the outlet reported. Officials have not released his name.

At a news conference Monday night, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox described Cousette, who had been with the police department for more than 13 years, as a hero, WVTM reported.

"Tonight, let us give thanks for the heroes of the Tuscaloosa Police Department," Maddox said, according to the Tuscaloosa News. "Let us give thanks for Investigator Cousette."

Cousette, a U.S. Army veteran, is survived by two daughters and a fiancee, AL.com reported.

Credit: Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office

Credit: Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office