Bank robber was shot seven times

MOBILE, Ala. - New details have been released in a deadly bank robbery. Officials say 44 shots were fired, and seven hit the suspect. One went through a day care.

Mobile Police fired 44 times at James Hill in July, after he robbed a bank, led police on a high speed chase, and crashed into a car. Mobile Police are now talking more about their role in the case.

Right after the shooting, the officers involved were placed on leave and have since returned to work.

This case has been investigated for the past month and a half. Police said it took so long because they wanted to be extremely thorough. There were dozens of shots fired and police believe the response was justified.

"They're out there to protect the citizens, but they also want to protect themselves," Deputy Chief Lester Hargrove said.

Mobile Police used a barrage of gunfire to protect themselves against Hill. Hargrove said the officers acted appropriately.

Hargrove said Hill robbed an RBC Bank branch, led police on a chase into Tillman's Corner, struck a car and threatened officers when he was surrounded.

"He had the gun outside the window, as if he was attempting to exit the vehicle with the gun in his hand," added Hargrove.

Hill was waving an air pistol, which looks just like a semi-automatic handgun. Five policemen responded.

"The number of shots fired by those five officers were 44 shots that struck Mr. Hill seven times, and some of the shots went into the vehicle. He was struck seven times subsequently, killing him," said Hargrove.

One bullet that was fired struck a daycare. However, Hargrove said the officers went by the book.

"State code says if an officer or anyone feels threatened, they have the right to protect themselves."

Authorities said police shoot until the threat is stopped. But given the number of shots fired, police said more training is in order.

"The amount of rounds that were shot, they'll go back to a training section at our pistol range, and more or less be given classes on fire control," Hargrove said.

Hargrove said it's an unfortunate ending, but it was done for the community's safety.

"The shooting of Mr. Hill, the Internal Affairs report came back that it was a justifiable homicide as it relates to that," he added.

FOX10 News spoke with Hill's daughter, Kellie Bartee. She lives in Louisiana. She said when she got word of her father's death, it was more than devastating.

"We were looking on the news and kind of wondering why there were 30-something bullet holes in the back of the car at that. We just didn't understand," Bartee said.

The pain is clearly in her voice. Bartee is trying to deal the best she can, considering the circumstances surrounding her father's death.

She learned about the crime from loved ones, then watched the aftermath on the news. Bartee is concerned about the force used.

"Just in my opinion, I feel that's a lot of rounds for one person. I have a little sister and my mom has a daycare, so I thought about those little kids. They're innocent. A church is right there, too. There were other ways they could have restrained him," Bartee added.

Bartee said she was shocked, but admits her dad has had his fair share of dealings with the law in the past. She said he tried to straighten his life out.

Before the shooting, she said her dad was diligently looking for a job. She said she's sorry it happened, but she knew a different side of the man police called a threat.

"He was loving, and giving, and kind, at every event he could be at. Very fun and humble, and he would help people he wouldn't even know. He was the perfect dad in my eyes, I guess," she added.

Hill was married and had six children. Hill had a criminal record dating back to 1981.