Douglas Harris

Douglas Harris, 77, was shot by Birmingham police during a February 20, 2015 welfare check and died from his wounds on March 27.

What happened

On February 20, 2015, a police officer accompanied a firefighter to check on Douglas Harris at his Birmingham apartment on First Avenue South after a relative expressed concern. Authorities acknowledged reports that the 77-year-old might have dementia. Police said Harris opened the door holding a gun and pointed it at the responders; the officer shot him twice. Harris was taken to University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with severe injuries. News reports initially described his condition as stabilizing, but he died on March 27, more than a month after the shooting. The outcome turns a purported welfare intervention into a fatal police encounter involving an older person with possible cognitive impairment. The police account of a raised weapon is not an independent analysis of whether sufficient preparation, crisis support or time for de-escalation was available.

Investigation & findings

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation was reported to have taken over the shooting investigation. This pass did not verify a final independent charging decision. Confirmed date of death is March 27, 2015; February 20 is the shooting date.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records