Suspect who shot MPD officer linked to explosives, ‘extremist views’

On Friday, April 1, shortly before 3 a.m. Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotics Team (MCSENT), conducted an operation in the 9100 block of Grand Bay Wilmer Road for the selling of illegal weapons, trafficking crystal meth, and illegal possession of explosive devices.

During the course of the operation the suspect, 32-year-old Ryan Burkhardt, attempted to elude officers on a motorcycle. As officers were taking Burkhardt into custody, he armed himself with a concealed handgun and fired it multiple times striking an officer twice. The officer was transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

During the exchange of gunfire, Burkhardt was shot multiple times. As officers were taking Burkhardt into custody they discovered he was wearing a bulletproof vest, as well as a shoulder holster with two extra magazines. Burkhardt was transported to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition.

On Wednesday, April 6, he was released from the hospital, charged with five counts of attempted murder, attempting to elude, and carrying a pistol without a permit, and transported to Mobile County Metro Jail. During the course of this investigation officers gathered information that linked Burkhardt to extremist views.

As of late Friday afternoon, MPD spokesman Terrence Perkins had not responded to an email asking to detail, or described the so-called “extremist views.”

Also on April 1, Mobile Police Narcotics Officers, MCSENT, SWAT Team, MCSO SWAT, Tactical Intelligence, FBI, ATF and HSI conducted a search warrant on a five acre compound in the County with multiple residences on the compound. Officers collected four firearms along with explosive powder.

On Thursday, April 7, Mobile Police conducted a search warrant at Miller Trading Post located at 8900 Moffett Road. Officers collected two hand grenades and the components to make the grenades live.

As results of this search warrant, officers arrested 44-year old-Jonny Cooker for Illegal possession of explosive device. Through further investigation these explosives have now been linked to Ryan Burkhardt and further charges are pending.

The investigation into the illegal possession of explosive devices, illegal guns sales, and trafficking of crystal methamphetamine is ongoing.