A dramatic police pursuit ended in tragedy early Wednesday morning when a suspect was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement in Northport, Alabama.

Captain Jack Kennedy, head of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, reported that the suspect was initially pursued by deputies from the Hale County Sheriff’s Office and officers from Moundville. The chase, which began in the early hours, crossed into Tuscaloosa County around 2:30 a.m., prompting local authorities to join the pursuit. Officers successfully deployed spike strips to disable the suspect’s vehicle in Northport.

“The suspect’s vehicle was brought to a halt near Bell Auto Parts on Bridge Avenue,” Kennedy explained. “At that location, an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and law enforcement, resulting in the suspect’s death.”

Details regarding which law enforcement agency’s officer or deputy was responsible for the fatal shot have not been disclosed by Captain Kennedy.

An independent investigation is now underway, carried out by officials unaffiliated with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.