Selma police chief defends response to Jubilee weekend shootings, asks for patience

The Selma Police Department on Tuesday issued its first comment about the shootings that occurred over the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee weekend.

In a statement released Tuesday morning – four days after a shooting injured six and three days after a second shooting injured two teens – Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford defended the department’s response and said arrests have been made and investigations continue.

“While these incidents are troubling, I want to reassure our citizens that the department responded quickly and aggressively to protect the safety of our community,” the statement said.

The Selma Police Department did not provide any information on the two shootings during the Jubilee weekend. The only information shared over the weekend was given by Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III.

The first shooting occurred Friday night March 6 at a gathering on Alabama Avenue that was not part of the Jubilee activities. Six were shot and taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The second shooting occurred Saturday evening March 7 on Water Avenue near the vendors and stages during Jubilee activities. Two 18-year-olds were shot and treated for injuries that were non-life-threatening.

Fulford said investigative work by officers and investigators led to arrests in connection to the incidents. No information was included in the release on the arrests, including how many were made or names and hometowns of those involved.

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“Our investigations remain active and ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated as investigatorscontinue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review available video and forensic information,” the release said.

Fulford said in the statement that the department “implemented a proactive operational plan that included increased patrol presence, targeted enforcement and coordination with partner agencies toensure the safety of residents and visitors attending the events. These efforts allowed officers to respond quickly to incidents and prevent further violence.”

“Let me be clear: violent crime will not be tolerated in our city,” the statement said. “Individuals who choose to endanger our community through reckless and criminal behavior will be identified and held accountable.”

The department added that community cooperation plays a critical role in solving crimes and keeping neighborhoods safe and asked for anyone with information related to these incidents to contact the Selma Police Department at 334-876-1267 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers 334-215-STOP.

“The Selma Police Department remains fully committed to protecting our community and will continue proactive enforcement efforts in the days and weeks ahead,” the statement said. “We ask forthe public's continued cooperation and patience as these investigations move forward.”