17 Hurt In Ala. Bar Shooting, Suspect In Custody

A man toting a military style assault rifle opened fire at a crowded bar in Tuscaloosa, Ala., early Tuesday, wounding 17 people before fleeing the scene. Suspect Nathan Van Wilkins, 44, turned himself in to authorities in Jasper.

A man toting a military style assault rifle opened fire at a crowded bar in Tuscaloosa, Ala., early Tuesday, wounding 17 people before fleeing the scene.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department announced via Twitter just before 1 p.m. East Coast time that the shooting suspect had been arrested. Police later identified him as Nathan Van Wilkins, 44.

While standing outside the Copper Top bar, Wilkins allegedly opened fire toward open windows and also fired at patrons who ran outside to escape the gunfire. At least four of the injured were students of the University of Alabama. Four victims were listed in very critical or critical condition, reports ABC News.

The Wilkins was captured by video surveillance that showed him wearing a backward baseball cap. He turned himself in to authorities in Jasper, reports AL.com.

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