Charge against man who allegedly ran over police officer upgraded to attempted murder

Aug. 18—A man who police say intentionally drove his vehicle into an off-duty Decatur police officer Tuesday evening now faces an attempted murder charge.

Police filed the charge today against Gregory Martin Hill, 54, of Decatur.

On Tuesday, Hill was charged with second-degree assault and was being held in Morgan County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 cash bond. Circuit Court Judge Charles Elliott added $1 million to the required cash bond today after the attempted murder charge was filed.

"Bond elevated due to the victim being an active law enforcement officer," Elliott wrote in the order.

If Hill does make bond, Elliott ordered, he must wear an ankle monitor, have no contact with the victim or the victim's family, and have no firearms or alcohol in his residence or vehicles.

According to affidavits filed Tuesday and today by Decatur police Sgt. Michael Burleson, the off-duty officer was at his home with his family in the 2200 block of 11th Street Southeast when he saw a black Jeep Wrangler stationary in front of his house. The officer asked Hill if he needed assistance, and Hill cursed at him, Burleson said.

Hill then attempted to run over the off-duty officer but struck a tree, according to the affidavit, and after the officer retrieved handcuffs and his firearm Hill proceeded to drive his vehicle into the officer even as the officer was shooting.

Burleson said Hill's vehicle pushed the off-duty officer across the length of the yard and then Hill backed up and over the officer's legs.

The off-duty officer was transported to Huntsville Hospital and released with minor injuries, according to police, and Hill was not hit by the officer's gunfire.

— eric@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2435. Twitter @DD_Fleischauer.