Flomaton Standoff Ends with One Dead and Sheriff Injuried

An early morning standoff ended with Escambia County Sheriff, Grover Smith, Injuried and suspect, Jim Arrington dead. Around 8 am the Flomaton Police went to serve pick up  orders on Arrington. When they entered the residence, they observed Arrington pointing a gun at them.  They were able to vacate the building with no shots being fired.  They called for back up and several departments responded, including Alabama State Troopers, the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Brewton SWAT team.

Around 11:30 am, the SWAT team sent a robot through the back door to locate the suspect. Using the video sent to them by the robot, the SWAT team, accompanied by Sheriff Smith, entered the house. Smith stepped out from behind their shield and to mace Arrington. The maced suspect fired a pistol, shooting Smith above the elbow of his arm. Arrington then took his own life by shooting himself in the head with the same pistol.

According to community members, Jim Arrington, a Vietnam veteran, had a history of mental and drug issues since returning home from the Vietnam war. He had a history of being in and out of rehab.