By: SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MOBILE, Ala. — A Mobile police officer who was shot during a tense standoff Sunday morning is recovering and remains in stable condition, according to the Mobile Police Department.
Lt. Lorenzo Matthews, a 26-year veteran of the department, was shot near the abdomen while responding to a report of gunfire at a home in the 100 block of Tuscaloosa Street around 10 a.m. Sunday. Police said Matthews was seriously injured but continues to show signs of improvement while recovering at a local hospital.
Mobile Police Chief William Jackson praised Matthews’ professionalism and training, describing him as a “well-trained officer” who came under fire while protecting the community.
“This is a tough reminder of the risks my officers face each and every day while protecting the community,” Jackson said in a statement Monday. “Lt. Matthews has a long road ahead, but he’s expected to recover. However, that in no way takes away from the severity of his injuries and the healing needed to move forward.”
Jackson asked the public to keep Matthews, his family, and the department in their prayers.
Two suspects, Justin Senia, 40, and Arielle Perreault, 34, both listed at 113 Tuscaloosa Street, were arrested following the standoff. During a court hearing Monday, a Mobile County District judge set bond for each defendant at $3.1 million cash-only. Both remain held at the Mobile Metro Jail.
Authorities said the pair faces multiple felony charges, including 12 counts of attempted murder, two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied building, four counts of discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle, and one count of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle.
According to police, officers were met with gunfire when they arrived at the scene, with Senia allegedly beginning to shoot. The standoff lasted until approximately 12 p.m., when both suspects surrendered without further incident.
In addition to Matthews’ injuries, two other officers were hurt in a vehicle crash while responding to the call. Police said those injuries were non-life-threatening. The investigation remains ongoing