Soul singer sparks shots
Published 2:26 am Wednesday, January 10, 2007
By By Adam Prestridge – for the Standard
An avid fan of soul singer James Brown doesn't “feel good” following a Monday afternoon shooting.
David James Brooks Jr. of Atmore was shot twice Monday afternoon during an altercation with Dan Gulley Jr. following a disagreement over how tall the late “Godfather of Soul” was, according to reports issued by the Atmore Police Department.
Brooks was transported to Atmore Community Hospital for treatment for his injuries. Brooks was later transported by Life Flight to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., were he underwent stomach surgery Tuesday. According to family members, he was recovering from surgery and in “a lot of pain.”
A witness told officers that the altercation between Brooks and Gulley occurred at a mutual friend's house on Stallworth Street in Atmore. The witness said Gulley began shooting at Brooks, hitting him twice. The witness also said that Brooks then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and returned fire toward Gulley. Gulley was not injured during the gunfire.
Following the shooting, Brooks walked into the Atmore Police Department, located next to city hall, and told the dispatcher on duty that he had been shot. Medics with Kelley's Ambulance Service and the Atmore Fire &Rescue Department were immediately dispatched to the police department. Officers also raced to the scene to ensure protection and question the shooting victim.
Officers did not have to search long for the shooter. After a few minutes, Gulley entered the police department and identified himself as the person who shot Brooks.
Gulley was arrested by Atmore officers and charged with first-degree assault.
The case is remains under investigation.