Alabama Police Officer Staged Alleged Assault And Shooting In July

An Alabama police officer has been arrested after the discovery that an alleged assault was staged.

The original incident occurred on July 21 while Officer Keith Buchanan was out on patrol. Buchanan issued a distress call for an alleged attack in an isolated area with multiple gunshots heard in the background. When backup arrived, Buchanan was found on the ground moaning in pain while his patrol vehicle was abandoned with a bullet hole in it.

Investigators then began looking into the alleged assault, but quickly discovered inconsistencies in Buchanan’s account of events with the evidence found. After a short investigation, Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith revealed that investigators determined the whole assault had been staged.

“Our investigation has concluded that this entire event was a hoax, the radio call, the shots fired, the help call, lying injured on the tracks, the damage to the police car, all a hoax,” Smith said during a press conference.

As a result of the investigation, Buchanan has been placed on paid administrative leave until the Internal Affairs investigation is complete.

“We will always be in relentless pursuit of our suspects,” Smith said. “Unfortunately this time, it’s one of our own, and we will continue to do so.”

The Birmingham Police Department is seeking charges for criminal mischief, false reporting, and discharging a gun within city limits. Additional charges could be filed against Buchanan, pending completion of the investigation.