(BAY MINETTE, Ala.) - We're learning more about what happened the night a Baldwin County Sheriff's Deputy was killed. Deputy Scott Ward was shot and killed Friday night. Officials say Ward and two other deputies were responding to a disturbance call at a home.
Officials with the Sheriff's Office a long with District Attorney Hallie Dixon laid out a timeline of what they say happened. The investigation is still underway even though everyone involved is accounted for. "I've always known him to be a good dedicated Deputy Sheriff and law enforcement officer and for that we are proud. For that we will honor him and for that we will cherish his memory." said Sheriff Huey Mack Jr.
Nothing but pride and praise for Deputy Scott Ward who died Friday night. "Deputy Ward dedicated his life to the concepts of protect and serve and he lost his life doing both that night," said D.A. Dixon. Three deputies answered the call, a medical assist call after a family member said that 53 year old Michael Jansen had not taken his medication and was acting erratically.
"Mr. Jansen never left the residence never got outside of the residence until the shooting started. As a matter of fact, the evidence we have, Mr. Jansen actually fired first from inside the residence and then exited the residence, " said Lt. Jud Beedy who is head of the investigation into the shooting.
The ATF is looking into the history of the weapon used by Jansen. His medical history shows he was committed twice for a bi-polar condition. Doctors also said the man had a deep dependence on marijuana. "We found inside his residence marijuana. We also saw some paraphernalia to smoke marijuana. Also located at the back of Mr. Jansen's residence, a barn had been recently constructed and we found what we believe is a room designed to grow marijuana. There was some evidence that he might have already grown some already there and that another part of it was under construction to enlarge his growing operation," said Beedy.
