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Charges filed against 2 suspects in officer-involved shooting

By Josh Ault bio|e-mail

RUSSELLVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Charges have now been filed on both suspects involved in a shooting at a church parking lot in Russellville.

The shooting happened early Wednesday morning at Concord Baptist Church on Gandy Street.  Investigators say Steve Jeffery Cain and Regina Renee Cansler, both of Phil Campbell, were attempting to break into Hometown Pharmacy when they were spotted by employees at a nearby nursing home.

"We owe this arrest to the people at the nursing home," said Russellville Police Investigator Chris Hargett. "They were the ones who actually spotted them outside."

According to police, the couple was found across the street when they arrived. Cain fired a shot at the officers, missing.  A officer shot back, hitting Cain in the stomach.

"He's got a long rap sheet," said Hargett, "That goes way back, has many convictions."

Cain was arrested previous for trying to break in to a pharmacy in Lauderdale County. Burglary tools were found in the suspects car at the church. They matched marks left on the front and back doors at the pharmacy.

Along with attempted burglary, Cansler has been charged with possession of burglary tools. 

Cain has been charged with attempted burglary, attempted murder, and felony possession of a firearm.

Cain's white Camero was located in the parking lot of the Russellville Hospital Thursday. Investigators obtained a search warrant and searched the vehicle for further evidence.

Cain is in stable condition at Huntsville Hospital. Hargett said police officers have been stationed at the hospital to watch him. He will be brought back to Franklin County once he is released.

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