WBRC
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham police are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting.
Police Chief Patrick Smith says the officer and suspect were both injured in a shooting at Ruth’s Cafe at 4012 24th Street North.
The preliminary investigation suggest the suspect refused to pay for a meal at Ruth’s Café prior to exiting the location. The suspect however remained outside of the business. The staff at Ruth’s Café alerted the detective and requested assistance to have the suspect leave the property. The suspect observed the detective was law enforcement and shot the detective upon approach.
The officer was shot once or twice in the arm or hand. He is in good condition.
The suspect has died according to Birmingham police.
The officer, who has now been identified as Detective Mikiel Smith, 47, is at UAB Hospital. Detective Smith has 19 years of service with BPD and is assigned to the Investigations Bureau.
The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation will take the lead in this officer-involved shooting investigation.
This post was updated on April 24, 2020 at 3:26 p.m.
