Nathan Van Wilkins, accused Ala. bar shooter, fired from job after fistfight, police say
(CBS/AP) BROOKWOOD, Ala. - Police said Nathan Van Wilkins was fired from his job after a fistfight with a co-worker three months before he allegedly opened fire with an assault rifle at an Alabama bar Tuesday.
Brookwood Assistant Police Police Chief Jimmy Sellers said Wilkins was angry about being fired from Capstone Oilfield last April, and he was pressing assault charges against the other man.
It's not clear what role the firing may have played in the shootings that wounded 17 people. Sellers said he's not aware of any connection between the shooting victims and the company. Wilkins reportedly had many stresses in his life that include a divorce and a bankruptcy filing.
Police have charged the Wilkins, 44, with 18 counts of attempted murder. Wilkins is also suspected of setting three fires to equipment or property owned by Capstone.