Suspect killed during armed robbery in Pell City

Published 11:09 am Thursday, November 23, 2017

In the early morning hours of Nov. 23, a suspect was killed in an officer involved shooting in Pell City. 

At approximately 3:18 a.m., the Pell City Police Department responded to the Texaco in the 1800 Block of Martin Street on a robbery-in-progress.  Upon arrival, an officer approached the business and observed an armed suspect in the commission of a robbery. 

The suspect was identified as Jackie Germaine Ragland, 32, of Pell City. 

According to police reports, Ragland ignored verbal commands from the officer. Ragland ran toward the officer while pointing his firearm. The officer discharged his weapon striking the suspect in the upper torso.  The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene by Pell City Fire and Rescue. 

“This is an unfortunate occurrence in that we have an officer who had to make a split decision in the line of duty to protect himself and others.  We are glad our officer and the clerks are safe,” stated Pell City Police Chief Paul Irwin. “The most difficult aspect of this investigation is contacting the deceased’s family who have to deal with the loss of their family member. Our thoughts are with them while they deal with this immense loss regardless of the situation.”

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department assisted on the scene. PCPD contacted the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, who also arrived at the scene and will lead the investigation of the incident. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident or other robberies on U.S. 231 should contact the Pell City Police Department at 205-884-3334.