John Joseph Hampton Identified as Victim in Oneonta Gunfire Incident

Authorities have identified the man who was killed in gunfire that also injured an Oneonta police officer. Alabama State Troopers revealed that the deceased individual is John Joseph Hampton, a 32-year-old resident of the Jefferson County area. The incident occurred when Oneonta police were dispatched to Sand Valley Road on Monday morning following a report of a suspicious person. Residents in the neighborhood reported that Hampton was knocking on doors and behaving erratically. It is unclear why he was in the area, and authorities suspect that he may have been homeless or temporarily displaced. One resident contacted the Oneonta police chief, who promptly sent officers to the scene.

Upon arrival, Hampton fled on foot and engaged in a physical altercation with the officers after being tased. The confrontation escalated when Hampton brandished a gun, leading to shots being fired. Tragically, Hampton was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, an Oneonta police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the upper leg and was rushed to UAB Hospital. Fortunately, his injuries are not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover.

In a statement on Facebook, Oneonta Police Chief Charles Clifton expressed gratitude for the support received from the community. He provided an update on the injured officer’s condition, stating that he had undergone a lengthy surgery and would require additional procedures. Although the officer is in critical condition, he is stable, and his survival is expected. Chief Clifton requested that the community keep the officer and others involved in the incident in their thoughts and prayers.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing and is being handled by the State Bureau of Investigation. Once the probe is concluded, the findings will be handed over to the Blount County District Attorney’s Office. The identity of the officer involved has been withheld to respect his privacy and that of his family.