USA: Student shot, killed by officer

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Officials with the University of South Alabama said an 18-year-old freshman was killed by a campus police officer early Saturday morning.

Authiorities identified him as Gilbert Thomas Collar of Wetumpka, Ala. University of South Alabama Police are not releasing the name of the police officer.

Saturday afternoon, South Alabama Public Relations Director Keith Ayers read a statement about the shooting, and refused to answer any questions.

Related: Students react to USA freshman's death

Ayers said USA Police responded to a loud banging noise on the west side window of the police station and, when an officer came outside to investigate, he was confronted by a nude, muscular man who was acted erratically.

Ayers said, "The man repeatedly rushed, and verbally challenged, the officer in a fighting stance. The officer, with weapon drawn, ordered the individual to halt. The officer retreated numerous times in an attempt to calm the situation."

Ayers said the Collar continued to press toward the officer in a threatening manner, at one point rushing and chasing the officer as he continued to retreat away from the building.

Ayers said, "When the individual continued to rush toward the officer in a threatening manner, and ignored the officer's repeated commands to stop, the officer fired one shot with his police sidearm, which struck the chest of the assailant. The individual fell to the ground, but he got up once more, and continued to challenge the officer further before collapsing and expiring."

Though Ayers restated he couldn't answer questions, it didn't stop people from asking them.

When asked if there was anything in the statement about the assailant showing a weapon, Ayers said simply, "No."

The police building does have surveillance cameras outside. Ayers said the camera did make some recordings, but didn't elaborate.

He also said the USA Police Department has asked the Mobile County District Attorney for an external investigation, and that the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of reviews.