Man accused of causing deputies to fatally shoot his sister while they served a warrant, officials say

VANCE, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - A man in Alabama is accused of pointing a gun at deputies while they attempted to serve a warrant, and deputies’ gunfire killed his sister.

According to the Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s office, at 5 a.m. Thursday, May 28, deputies responded to home in Vance.

Deputies said they were attempting to find a man wanted on warrants; one of the men wanted was 36-year-old Ricky Adkins. Authorities said the warrant was for a felony.

The sheriff’s office said they found Ricky Adkins in a tent in the back of a home. When deputies spoke with people in the tent, Kristie Adkins, 43, allegedly attempted to hide her brother.

Deputies allegedly ordered Ricky Adkins to remove his face covering. He then pulled a handgun and pointed it at deputies over his sister’s shoulder.

Authorities later said it was a BB or pellet gun designed to look like a gun.

Authorities said deputies fired their guns, striking Ricky and Kristie Adkins.

Kristie died from her injuries. Ricky Adkins was struck by multiple rounds and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a hospital, where he’s listed in critical but stable condition.

After reviewing body camera footage, physical evidence and witness statements, and after consulting with the district attorney, investigators obtained a warrant charging Ricky Adkins with manslaughter.

Officials said Ricky Adkins will be charged after he is released from the hospital.

Ricky will be served the manslaughter warrant, as well as the two warrants deputies were originally trying to serve, which are for being a person forbidden to possess a firearm and for menacing.

Following the shooting, three deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Officers remain with Ricky Adkins while he is in custody.