Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – December 15, 2024 at approximately 2:06 AM, officers made contact with the occupant of a suspicious vehicle which was parked in the 3800 block of Gulf Shores Parkway. Officers observed that the male was armed with a handgun. For their safety, they asked him to exit the vehicle. The male refused and drove away traveling north on Highway 59 towards Foley.

Officers followed the vehicle while notifying the Foley Police Department and Baldwin County Sheriff's Office of the incident. The van entered the City of Foley and then came to an abrupt stop in the 1000 Block of S. McKenzie Street.

The driver of the van fled on foot running towards the west. As he was running away, the suspect fired shots in the direction of the responding deputies. The deputies did not return fire and were not injured

As the suspect ran into an open field east of Irwin Street, officers heard additional gunshots.

The suspect was taken into custody as he exited a tree line near Alston Court. He had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his hand. He was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening wounds.

39-year-old Buddy B. Snell of Taft, Tennessee was arrested and charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations, Eluding and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. Additional charges are pending.

The Gulf Shores Police Department would like to thank the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Foley Police Department for their prompt response and assistance with this ongoing investigation. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Gulf Shores Police Department at 251-968-2431. You can remain anonymous.