From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — An overnight shooting near the Four Seasons Bar and Grill in downtown Birmingham has left one Birmingham Police sergeant dead and another officer critically wounded, according to Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith.
“Both officers were shot in very critical areas,” Smith said.
One suspect was wounded — possibly critically — and another suspect is in police custody. Police aren’t sure if other suspects are involved, but have set up a large perimeter in the area with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies.
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According to Smith, the officers were working a detail in an area where multiple vehicle break-ins had recently been reported. One of the officers was in plainclothes and the sergeant who was killed was in uniform.
Both were transported to UAB Hospital.
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:59 a.m. near the 700 block of Fifth Avenue North, Smith said.
According to Smith, the officers observed the suspect trying vehicle doors and approached him. The suspected was being patted down when he pulled a gun and shot the officers.
“It appears our officers were taken by surprise and unable to respond,” Smith said.
Dozens of police cars from multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist BPD.
“Each and every day the men and women of the Birmingham Police Department do everything that we can to try to address crime within the city,” Smith said. “We do everything that we can to try to protect and serve the people of the city of Birmingham with pride with respect. We do everything we can to keep everyone safe.”
Smith said he had already spoken with the family of the officers, but did not immediately release their names right away out of respect for the family.
The slain officer has since been identified as Sergeant Wytasha Carter.
“This is very difficult for the family and very difficult for our department,” Smith said. “Some members of this department have worked with these officers for years.”
Smith said the Birmingham Police Department removes about 200 weapons from the street each month. About 2,200 weapons were confiscated in 2017.
“That just lets you know how many are out there,” Smith said.
Mayor Randall Woodfin asked for prayers for the officers and their families.
“Join me in praying for the family of the Birmingham Police officer killed early this morning, and the officer who is currently in the hospital,” Woodfin said. “They were shot while serving and protecting our city. As a city, we stand with the families of these officers and the Birmingham Police Department at this tragic time.”
This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
