Search continues for man who struck Goodwater officer

Kytn William Wentzell

 

By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer

 

After a week, the search continues for a Goodwater man who struck an on-duty Goodwater police officer with a vehicle.

Goodwater Police Chief Corey Shaw reported that last Thursday, March 3, the department went to 2081 County Road 86 to question Kytn William Wentzell in reference to an ongoing investigation. Shaw said that at the time Wentzell was standing by a gold-colored Chevrolet S10 pickup truck.

Shaw reported that as officers Dawson and Harrison were approaching the vehicle, Wentzell “jumped in the vehicle” with Rebecca Fuller, a white female. While driving at a high rate of speed, Wentzell reportedly attempted to strike Dawson, hitting him on his left shoulder.

Shaw said that Harrison fired his weapon at a tire on the truck in an attempt to stop the vehicle, and no other shots were fired. Aside from Dawson, no one else on the scene was injured.

Dawson was transported to Russell Medical Center in Alexander City for further testing and treatment of minor injuries. He was released later that day.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office reported that it was contacted by Goodwater Police Department at approximately 2:41 p.m. last Thursday in reference to Dawson being struck by a motor vehicle. A search team was called in by the Sheriff’s Office, and that team has been attempting to apprehend Wentzell.

Chief Shaw said that the police department was grateful no officer was seriously hit or killed during the incident. He also thanked the Sheriff’s Office, Alabama K-9 Unit and state Aviation Unit for their assistance.

As of press time Shaw reported that Wentzell had not yet been apprehended. He would like to remind citizens that anyone who is found to be helping Wentzell will be prosecuted as much as the law will allow, particularly given that Wentzell “attempted to hurt or cause death to an officer.”

Shaw asks the public, “Whatever information you may have, please report it. There is no such thing as small information. Help us bring Kytn Wentzell to justice.”

Anyone who believes they have seen Wentzell or may have information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Goodwater Police Department at 256-839-6321, the Sheriff’s Office at 256-377-4922, or call 911.