An Oneonta Police Officer Injured in Shooting Continues to Recover

An Oneonta police officer wounded in a shooting earlier this week continues to recover but faces a lengthy road to full health and wellbeing.

The identity of the injured officer has not yet been disclosed. However, according to a statement from Police Chief Charles Clifton, the officer underwent a second surgery on Wednesday and is expected to undergo at least one more surgery in the coming days.

The officer sustained a gunshot wound to the upper leg during the incident.

On Thanksgiving Day, Police Chief Charles Clifton expressed his gratitude for the officer’s progress in a Facebook post. He stated, “He looked better this morning than at any time since the injury. He was out of bed, sitting in a chair, and with the assistance of nurses had even stood up for the first time in three days. We are blessed and grateful for his progress.”

Chief Clifton also expressed his appreciation to the medical team at UAB Hospital who worked diligently to save the officer’s life. He requested continued prayers for everyone involved in the incident.

Chief Clifton acknowledged the impact of the incident on the community, stating, “These types of incidents are very foreign to our community. Our officers are dealing with some mental scars that will last a lifetime, and coping with this situation is very difficult.”

The incident occurred on Monday morning when the Oneonta police received a report of a suspicious person on Sand Valley Road.

According to authorities, the suspect, identified as 32-year-old John Joseph Hampton, was reportedly knocking on doors in the neighborhood. One resident allowed Hampton to use their phone.

Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon revealed that Hampton was unknown to the residents in the area, and it remains unclear why he was there. Sheriff Moon suggested that Hampton may have been homeless or temporarily displaced.

The police chief was contacted by one of the residents, who reported the situation, prompting the dispatch of officers to the scene.

Upon arrival, Senior Alabama State Trooper Brandon Bailey stated that Hampton attempted to flee on foot but was eventually tased by the officers. A physical altercation then ensued.

Hampton attempted to escape into the nearby woods, leading to a brief standoff. It was during this confrontation that Hampton brandished a firearm, resulting in shots being fired.

Unfortunately, Hampton was pronounced dead at the scene.

The State Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident. Once their inquiry is complete, the findings will be handed over to the Blount County District Attorney’s Office.