Shootout ends with suspect killed

MOBILE, Ala. - UPDATE: Mobile Police identify bank robber who was killed as 46 year old James A. Hill from Louisiana.

THE CHASE

What started as a bank robbery at the RBC Centura Bank on Old Shell Road near Spring Hill College, ended with a fiery shootout off Three-Notch Road.

Around 3:00 p.m., Mobile Police responded to the bank robbery. They began to pursue a suspect who was throwing money out of the car and flashing a weapon from out the driver side window. Investigators said he hit multiple cars while recklessly fleeing police.

The suspect was heading westbound on Three-Notch Road, when he lost control of the car, which was riding on rims, and hit another car in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Tillman's Corner. A woman was in the car. She only had minor injuries. Authorities say she will be fine.

THE SHOOTOUT

In the church parking lot on the 5600 block of Three-Notch, authorities quickly surrounded the suspect.

"The suspect pointed the weapon at the police officer, did fire the weapon. He struck the police car on the hood in front of the driver's side window," said Mobile Police Chief Phillip Garrett. "At that point, the officer returned fire."

FOX10 News counted at least 30 bullet holes in the car, but witnesses said there were even more shots fired.

"Probably about 60," said witness Brien Speed. "Every police officer who got out of the car shot."

Investigators are determining what kind of weapon the suspect had. Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson, Jr. said, "It looks just like a police issue weapon. I think there's a possibility that it's an air pistol or a BB gun."

The D.A. said it's fortunate the scene wasn't worse.

"We're extremely blessed no else was injured in the fray. We have bullet strikes in the car wash and day care, so when I say we're blessed today, we really are."

The suspect's car had a Louisiana license tag. Whether the car was stolen is under investigation. The suspect's name has not been released.