Russell County identifies man who was killed by deputy in water department altercation

Kelby Hutchison
·2 min read
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One man is dead after displaying a gun to sheriff’s deputies after an earlier altercation with water department employees Wednesday in Russell County, according to Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor.

The man, who authorities identified Thursday as 47-year-old Daniel William Mooneyham, was involved in an fight with Russell County Waterworks employees who were attempting to shut off his water at his property, according to Taylor.

Taylor said during the altercation with waterworks employees Mooneyham fired a gun. The waterworks employees were unharmed, Taylor said.

Two sheriffs deputies responded to the Water Works building around 12:06 p.m. Wednesday, where they observed a man leaving, Taylor said.

After receiving a description from waterworks employees, the deputies recognized Mooneyham as the man they had seen leaving the parking lot, according to Taylor.

The deputies went after and located the vehicle and pulled it over. At some point during the stop, Mooneyham pulled a gun on the deputies, Taylor said.

Daniel William Mooneyham, 47. Courtesy of Russell County Sheriff's Office
Daniel William Mooneyham, 47. Courtesy of Russell County Sheriff's Office

Taylor said one sheriff’s deputy pulled his weapon and fired shots at Mooneyham and struck him. Mooneyham later died and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Russell County coroner, according to Taylor.

It is unknown whether Mooneyham fired at the deputies or if the gun was legally owned.

Taylor said Mooneyham was in possession of multiple guns in the vehicle.

Taylor also said Mooneyham was listed in their computer as having been denied for a pistol permit before a new Alabama law was passed not requiring pistol permits within the state.

Taylor said Mooneyham was listed as having a mental condition who owned a weapon.

The deputies have been placed on administrative leave with pay, Taylor said. The deputies are also unharmed, Taylor said.

The incident was captured on video, according to Taylor.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation have taken over the investigation.

“This is a result, unfortunately, of a weapon being pointed at a deputy at a traffic stop,” said Taylor. “I am truly sorry that he has lost his life.

“My guys don’t take it lightly. We don’t take it for granted,” he added “It’s the last thing we want to do, but unfortunately in the world we live in it has to be done from time to time.”