Man injured in officer-involved Opelika shooting involving replica gun identified

A man is in stable condition after being shot by Opelika police during a domestic dispute on April 26.

Opelika Police responded to a call at approximately 9:37 p.m. on the 1300 Block of South Long Street, where they encountered a man armed with what was believed to be a firearm. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said it later determined it was a full-sized replica of a Beretta 9mm semiautomatic handgun.

The officer discharged their weapon, striking the man, later identified as 75-year-old Charles Winston, in the leg. Winston received medical aid at the scene before being transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital. He has since been treated and released.

The officer involved was not injured. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigations is handling the investigation, as per department protocol. All evidence and videos related to the incident will be reviewed by the bureau.

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Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the SBI Montgomery Field Office at (334) 676-7870.