Semmes, Alabama, January 7, 2026
A confrontation in Semmes resulted in a police officer being grazed by a bullet and the local business owner, Johnny Bowman Jr., suffering multiple gunshot wounds. This incident occurred early Sunday during a burglary investigation at Bowman’s Auto Air. Following a two-hour standoff, Bowman surrendered to authorities and was hospitalized. The ongoing investigation is being led by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, with no charges filed as of yet.
Mobile, Alabama
Shootout in Semmes Leaves Officer and Business Owner Injured, Investigation Underway
A dramatic confrontation early Sunday morning in Semmes, Alabama, resulted in a South Alabama police officer being grazed by a bullet and a local business owner sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The incident, which unfolded at Bowman’s Auto Air on Moffett Road, led to a two-hour standoff and is currently under investigation by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2026, Semmes police officers were conducting routine patrols in the area following reports of a burglary. While on patrol, they observed an unlocked door at Bowman’s Auto Air. Concerned that the business might have been targeted in a recent burglary, officers entered the premises to investigate. Upon entry, officers announced their presence and noticed movement inside a camper located within the business.
According to reports, as officers attempted to investigate the camper, the owner, identified as Johnny Bowman Jr., opened the camper door and immediately began firing shots at the officers. Officers promptly returned fire, striking Bowman multiple times. One officer suffered a graze wound to the lower back during the exchange of gunfire.
Standoff and Surrender
Following the initial gunfire, Bowman reportedly barricaded himself inside the camper, leading to a tense two-hour standoff with law enforcement. Mobile County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene to assist in resolving the situation. After approximately two hours, Bowman surrendered to authorities and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment of his five bullet wounds.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday evening, January 6, 2026, no charges had been filed in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains active. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is leading the officer-involved shooting investigation. Semmes Police Chief Todd Friend indicated that his department has had prior interactions with Bowman. Body camera footage of the incident exists, but officials have stated it will not be released to the public while the investigation is ongoing.
South Alabama School Employee Indicted on Federal Child Sex Charges
In other significant news from South Alabama, a school employee from the Baldwin County School District has been federally indicted on serious charges related to child sex trafficking. Christopher W. Glover, 47, of Simms, Alabama, faces counts of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, and Traveling in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.
Allegations and Arrest
The indictment, announced on January 5, 2026, alleges that Glover communicated online with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. During these communications, he is accused of offering hundreds of dollars in exchange for sexual acts. Glover then reportedly traveled from Alabama to Pensacola, Florida, with the intention of meeting the minor. However, the individual he was communicating with was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement officer involved in an operation dubbed “Operation Twelve Parsecs.” Upon his arrival in Pensacola, Glover was immediately taken into custody.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Glover is currently being held in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending trial. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A conviction would also necessitate lifetime registration as a sexual offender and a period of supervised release. His trial is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving several agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fatal Shooting Investigation Underway in Mobile
Mobile authorities are actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on January 6, 2026. The incident, which resulted in one fatality, took place at 5417 Forest Park Drive in Mobile. Further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting and any potential suspects or arrests have not yet been released as the investigation continues.
Popular Birmingham Area Grocery Store Temporarily Closes for Major Renovation
In the Birmingham area, a well-known grocery store, the Homewood Piggly Wiggly on Montgomery Highway, has temporarily closed its doors to undergo a significant renovation project. This closure, which began on January 5, 2026, marks the start of an anticipated redevelopment aimed at enhancing the store for its patrons.
The extensive renovation plans for the beloved “Pig” include creating more space, improving traffic flow, and adding additional parking. These changes are expected to greatly benefit shoppers and the surrounding community. The store is projected to remain closed for the duration of the renovation, with an anticipated reopening by the end of 2026.
National Coffee Chain Expands Presence in Alabama
The national coffee chain Dutch Bros has opened a new location in Alabama, further expanding its presence in the state. The opening was noted in news reports from January 6, 2026. The popular drive-thru coffee company, known for its diverse menu of custom drinks and high-energy customer service, continues to grow its footprint across the United States.
Dutch Bros, which originated in 1992, has grown significantly, operating over 1,000 locations in more than 20 U.S. states and territories. While specific details about the exact opening date or location within Alabama were not immediately available in the latest reports, the expansion underscores the chain’s ongoing growth strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happened in Semmes, Alabama, recently?
A: A South Alabama police officer was grazed by a bullet and a local business owner was shot multiple times during a shootout at Bowman’s Auto Air on Moffett Road in Semmes.
Q: When did the Semmes shootout occur?
A: The shootout occurred early Sunday morning, January 5, 2026, around 3:00 a.m.
Q: Who was involved in the Semmes shootout?
A: The individuals involved were a Semmes police officer, who was grazed by a bullet, and Johnny Bowman Jr., the owner of Bowman’s Auto Air, who sustained five bullet wounds.
Q: Is the Semmes shootout under investigation?
A: Yes, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting, and no charges had been filed as of Monday evening, January 6, 2026.
Q: What are the charges against the South Alabama school employee?
A: Christopher W. Glover, a 47-year-old employee of the Baldwin County School District, has been federally indicted on charges of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, and Traveling in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.
Q: When was Christopher W. Glover indicted?
A: The indictment against Christopher W. Glover was announced on January 5, 2026.
Q: What is the potential sentence for Christopher W. Glover if convicted?
A: If convicted, Christopher W. Glover faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment, along with lifetime registration as a sexual offender.
Q: What happened in Mobile, Alabama, on January 6, 2026?
A: A fatal shooting occurred on January 6, 2026, at 5417 Forest Park Drive in Mobile, resulting in one fatality.
Q: Why is the Homewood Piggly Wiggly closing?
A: The Homewood Piggly Wiggly on Montgomery Highway is temporarily closing for a major renovation project.
Q: When is the Homewood Piggly Wiggly expected to reopen?
A: The Homewood Piggly Wiggly is expected to reopen by the end of 2026 following its renovation.
Q: Has Dutch Bros opened a new location in Alabama?
A: Yes, the national coffee chain Dutch Bros has opened a new location in Alabama, as reported on January 6, 2026.
Summary of Key News Events in Alabama (Last 48 Hours)
| Event | Key Details | Location/Scope | Timing (Reported/Occurred) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police-Business Owner Shootout | Officer grazed, business owner (Johnny Bowman Jr.) shot multiple times after opening fire on officers during burglary investigation; two-hour standoff; Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigating. | Semmes, Mobile County (State-level) | Early morning, January 5, 2026 (Reported Jan 6, 2026) |
| School Employee Indictment | Christopher W. Glover (47), Baldwin County School District employee, federally indicted for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, and Traveling in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct; arrested in Florida after undercover sting. | Simms, Baldwin County (State-level with Interstate elements) | Indicted January 5, 2026 |
| Fatal Mobile Shooting | One fatality reported in a shooting incident at 5417 Forest Park Drive; investigation ongoing. | Mobile (State-level) | January 6, 2026 |
| Birmingham Area Store Closure | Homewood Piggly Wiggly on Montgomery Highway temporarily closed for major renovation project, expected to reopen by end of 2026. | Homewood, Birmingham Area (State-level) | Closed January 5, 2026 |
| Dutch Bros New Location | National coffee chain Dutch Bros has opened a new location in Alabama. | Alabama (State-level for opening, Nationwide for chain) | Reported January 6, 2026 |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
