The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is investigating after a Tuscaloosa Police Officer exchanged gunfire with a driver early Wednesday morning after a chase ended in a crash.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the VCU, said officers were originally called out to pursue a domestic violence suspect late Tuesday night or after midnight Wednesday morning.

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Kennedy said the suspect crashed into a power pole at McFarland Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Parkway / 15th Street and allegedly fired a handgun at least one time at officers as they approached the wrecked vehicle.

Kennedy said a TPD officer also fired a weapon at the scene.

Stephanie Taylor, a spokesperson for the Police Department, warned that all lanes of Veterans Memorial Parkway near University Mall will be closed to traffic for several hours Wednesday morning. Drivers should choose an alternate route and stay connected to the Thread for updates on when the road reopens.

The driver was reportedly alive as of 3:45 a.m. Wednesday.

The VCU is made up of officers from four local law enforcement agencies and Kennedy claimed it will not involve any of its officers who are affiliated with TPD in this investigation.

UPDATE, 11:30 a.m.: Kennedy has confirmed the suspect in this case was wounded and is being treated for his injuries. No law enforcement officers were hurt, he said, and the investigation is ongoing. Most of 15th Street is open again.

For more details as they become available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.

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