Huntsville, January 12, 2026
A Huntsville man, Tory Dewayne Patton, has been charged with attempted murder following a balcony shooting incident. Authorities reported that the altercation escalated from an argument with apartment tenants. Meanwhile, Huntsville continues to witness various criminal activities, prompting law enforcement to intensify their response to recent incidents, including another shooting investigation and a raid on an illegal gambling operation.
Huntsville
Attempted Murder Charges Filed After Apartment Balcony Shooting
A Huntsville man is currently facing attempted murder charges following an incident on January 12, 2026, where he allegedly fired shots at individuals on an apartment balcony. Tory Dewayne Patton, 38, was taken into custody in the 2200 block of Atkins Drive. The Huntsville Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit led the investigation into the incident. Authorities determined that Patton had engaged in an argument with tenants inside the apartment, which then escalated, leading to the shooting.
Recent Crime Incidents in Huntsville
The charges against Patton come amid other recent law enforcement activities in Huntsville, reflecting ongoing efforts to address various criminal acts within the city.
Ongoing Search for Shooting Suspect
Just recently, on January 11, 2026, Huntsville Police initiated a search for an individual suspected of firing shots into an apartment. This incident occurred on a Saturday night at the Utica Place Apartments. Although no injuries were reported, police have been actively searching for the suspect, employing K9 units and a drone to aid in their efforts.
Illegal Gambling Operation Dismantled
In a separate development, the Huntsville Police SWAT team executed a raid on January 6, 2026, successfully shutting down an alleged illegal gambling operation. The operation took place in the 3600 block of 7th Avenue. During the raid, officers apprehended 59-year-old Robert Lorenzo Gray, Jr., without incident. Investigators seized a significant amount of evidence from the residence, including 21 hard drives from gambling machines, two firearms, marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia. Police indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests may be made.
Broader Context: Other Recent Incidents in Huntsville
Beyond the immediate past, Huntsville has experienced a series of notable crime incidents in late 2025, highlighting persistent challenges in maintaining public safety across different neighborhoods.
December 2025 Incidents
In December 2025, several serious incidents captured the attention of local authorities. On December 8, 2025, two individuals, Laquisha Burton and Chanz Arrington, were arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. These charges stemmed from a shooting at the Rime Village apartment complex, where an argument reportedly escalated into the offenders firing at an occupied vehicle. Also on December 8, 2025, police initiated an investigation into what appeared to be a targeted shooting on Rim Village Drive, following reports of numerous gunshots and vehicles speeding away from the scene. While it was not immediately clear if anyone sustained injuries in that particular incident, the police presence was substantial.
Earlier in December, on November 24, 2025, Huntsville police arrested O’Brien Richardson, who is now facing assault and theft charges in Huntsville. This arrest was connected to a stabbing incident on Grizzard Road where officers found a man who had been stabbed. Additionally, Douglas Fletcher was arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred on Lodge Road, facing aggravated assault charges in Jackson County.
Fall 2025 Apartment Shootings
The fall of 2025 saw multiple shootings occurring at apartment complexes throughout Huntsville. On October 22, 2025, Mario Marcell Robinson, 42, was arrested after allegedly firing a weapon into an occupied apartment in the 1400 block of Ascent Trail. This incident reportedly began as a domestic dispute, with no injuries reported.
In September 2025, authorities began a search for Taishon Dominique Darnell Hampton, who faces murder and first-degree assault charges related to a shooting on Binford Drive on September 17, 2025. This incident at the LR Patton Apartments resulted in the death of 25-year-old Caleb Troy Martin, and another man was injured by the same bullet. Just prior to this, on August 19, 2025, Shaquan Moore was fatally shot at an apartment complex located on Torrance Drive. Investigators also found that a nearby apartment had been struck by gunfire, though no occupants were harmed.
Spring 2025 Deadly Confrontation
Further back, on March 4, 2025, a deadly shooting occurred at the Belmont Hills Apartments. Byron Alexander Peterson, 22, was accused of killing 53-year-old Demetrius Jones. Police stated that this incident was the culmination of a multi-month dispute between the two individuals, who both resided in the apartment complex.
Earlier 2025 Incidents
At the beginning of 2025, on January 17, Alan David James Henderson, 25, was charged with murder following a fatal shooting on Oakdale Terrace. These incidents underscore a continued focus by law enforcement on investigating and addressing violent crime across Huntsville.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the latest charges in Huntsville?
A Huntsville man named Tory Dewayne Patton, 38, is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting at people on an apartment balcony on January 12, 2026.
Where did the recent apartment balcony shooting occur?
The recent apartment balcony shooting occurred in the 2200 block of Atkins Drive in Huntsville.
What caused the January 12, 2026, shooting incident?
The January 12, 2026, shooting incident escalated from an argument Tory Dewayne Patton allegedly had with tenants inside the apartment.
Has there been another recent shooting investigation in Huntsville?
Yes, on January 11, 2026, Huntsville Police initiated a search for a suspect who fired shots into an apartment at the Utica Place Apartments. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Was there a recent raid on an illegal gambling operation in Huntsville?
Yes, on January 6, 2026, the Huntsville Police SWAT team shut down an alleged illegal gambling operation in the 3600 block of 7th Avenue, arresting Robert Lorenzo Gray, Jr. and seizing firearms and gambling equipment.
What are some other recent crime incidents in Huntsville from late 2025?
Other recent incidents in Huntsville from late 2025 include attempted murder and aggravated assault charges for Laquisha Burton and Chanz Arrington in a December 8, 2025, shooting at Rime Village apartments, a targeted shooting investigation on Rim Village Drive also on December 8, 2025, and the arrests of O’Brien Richardson and Douglas Fletcher for assault and aggravated assault in separate November 2025 incidents. Additionally, in October 2025, Mario Marcell Robinson was arrested for shooting into an occupied apartment on Ascent Trail.
Key Features of Recent Huntsville Crime Incidents
| Incident | Date | Key Individuals/Charges | Location | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Balcony Shooting | January 12, 2026 | Tory Dewayne Patton (Attempted Murder) | 2200 block of Atkins Drive, Huntsville | Local |
| Shooting Suspect Search | January 11, 2026 | Suspect Unknown (Shots Fired) | Utica Place Apartments, Huntsville | Local |
| Illegal Gambling Operation | January 6, 2026 | Robert Lorenzo Gray, Jr. (Promoting Gambling, Possession of Gambling Records, Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia) | 3600 block of 7th Avenue, Huntsville | Local |
| Rime Village Apartment Shooting | December 8, 2025 | Laquisha Burton, Chanz Arrington (Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault) | Rime Village Apartments, Huntsville | Local |
| Rim Village Drive Targeted Shooting | December 8, 2025 | Investigation Ongoing (Shots Fired) | Rim Village Drive, Huntsville | Local |
| Grizzard Road Stabbing | November 24, 2025 | O’Brien Richardson (Assault, Theft) | Grizzard Road, Huntsville | Local |
| Lodge Road Shooting | November 24, 2025 | Douglas Fletcher (Aggravated Assault) | Lodge Road, Huntsville (Jackson County charge mentioned, but event linked to Huntsville context) | Local |
| Ascent Trail Apartment Shooting | October 22, 2025 | Mario Marcell Robinson (Shooting into Occupied Dwelling, Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearm) | 1400 block of Ascent Trail, Huntsville | Local |
| Binford Drive Shooting | September 17, 2025 | Taishon Dominique Darnell Hampton (Murder, First-Degree Assault); Caleb Troy Martin (Deceased) | LR Patton Apartments, Huntsville | Local |
| Torrance Drive Shooting | August 19, 2025 | Suspect Unknown; Shaquan Moore (Deceased) | Torrance Drive, Huntsville | Local |
| Belmont Hills Apartments Fatal Shooting | March 4, 2025 | Byron Alexander Peterson (Murder); Demetrius Jones (Deceased) | Belmont Hills Apartments, Huntsville | Local |
| Oakdale Terrace Fatal Shooting | January 17, 2025 | Alan David James Henderson (Murder) | Oakdale Terrace, Huntsville | Local |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Road Incidents Claim Lives in Huntsville and Decatur
Vigils Held in Alabama for Victim of Minneapolis Shooting
Significant Law Enforcement Response in South Huntsville
Huntsville Enhances Community Spirit with Historical Boxcar Donation
Tragic Death of Huntsville Man in Custody After Alleged Murder
State Authorities Intensify Nationwide Search in Perry County Case
Huntsville’s Unstoppable Rise: Innovation Drives Growth
Unexplained Boom Shakes Huntsville Community
Domestic Dispute Leads to Arrest in Huntsville
Three Years Later, Huntsville Man’s Murder Remains Unsolved
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
