Search underway for man accused of firing at officers in Opp area

The Covington County Sheriff’s Office says to be on the lookout for a man accused of firing at police officers in the Opp area.

Sheriff Blake Turman says Amos Matthews has felony warrants and was last seen near the area of Barnes Street and Pond Drive in Opp.

Turman says to consider Matthews armed and dangerous.

He says Matthews is possibly wearing orange pants and a red jacket/hoodie with a design on the front.

Special agents assigned to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation have launched an investigation. ALEA says Matthews, 51, of Opp, brandished a gun, causing officers to fire at him. ALEA says Matthews fled the scene into a nearby wooded area and an active manhunt is currently underway.

ALEA says the following agencies are currently on scene and assisting in the manhunt: ALEA SBI Special Agents, ALEA Highway Patrol Troopers, ALEA’s Aviation Unit, officers with Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, officers with Opp Police Department and deputies with Covington County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Turman says if you see Matthews, do not approach him. Contact the sheriff’s office at (334) 427-4911 or the Opp Police Department at (334) 493–4511 immediately.