NEWS RELEASE

HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

815 Wheeler Ave.

Huntsville, Alabama  35801

                      

Death Investigation

Huntsville, Alabama (March 19, 2009) On March 18, 2009, at approximately 6:13 pm, Huntsville Police Officers responded to multiple 911 calls reference a man with a gun on Elizabeth Street. As the first officer arrived, 33 year old Gartrayl Baker of Huntsville fled on foot armed with a handgun. The officer pursued Mr. Baker on foot demanding that he drop the weapon. After a brief struggle, Mr. Baker was taken into custody and handcuffed. After his arrest, it was determined that Mr. Baker needed medical attention and an ambulance was called. Mr. Baker was taken to the Huntsville Hospital Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead. The Huntsville Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Baker’s death.