Man Killed In Police Shootout Identified, Officer Continues To Recover

Christopher Ray Tompkins, left, was killed and Arab Cpl. Jeff Warren, right, was injured in a Sunday afternoon shootout near the Cullman/Marshall county line. (The Arab Tribune/The Arab Police Department)
Christopher Ray Tompkins, left, was killed and Arab Cpl. Jeff Warren, right, was injured in a Sunday afternoon shootout near the Cullman/Marshall county line. (The Arab Tribune/The Arab Police Department)

A man killed in a Sunday afternoon shootout that wounded an Arab police officer had a lengthy criminal record that dated back years.

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick identified the man slain as 36-year-old Christopher Ray Tompkins. Tompkins died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Arab police Cpl. Jeff “Preacher” Warren was wounded. He underwent surgery Sunday night and is expected to be released from the hospital, according to The Arab Tribune.

The shooting happened near the county line of Cullman and Marshall counties, said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. It followed a multi-jurisdiction chase that ended on County Road 1825. A stolen car investigation reportedly started the chase, but authorities have released little information.

According to The Arab Tribune, which has been providing updates on its Facebook page, Warren was alert and talking as he was loaded onto a medical helicopter. A female suspect, a woman, was taken into custody. Authorities have not released the names of either suspect.

The State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe.

Court records show Tompkins, of Arab, has multiple criminal convictions dating back more than a decade. His convictions include: 2013, theft of property; 2012, three counts of burglary and two counts of theft of property; 2010, criminal trespass and domestic violence; 2004, second-degree assault, breaking and entering a vehicle and drug possession.

Tompkins in 2012 also was charged with attempted murder and domestic violence/strangulation, but those charges were dismissed.

Al.com/www.al.com

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