Birmingham Police Shooting Leaves Man Dead After Taser Struggle at UAB St. Vincent’s Parking Deck
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A man was shot and killed by Birmingham police Thursday afternoon after authorities said he attempted to take an officer’s Taser during a foot pursuit at a parking deck near UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham hospital.
According to Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett, the incident began at approximately 12:35 p.m. when a security guard alerted an officer that a man had assaulted an employee at a Southside McDonald’s.
The officer, a seven-year veteran of the department, located the man after he had run across University Boulevard. Police said the man refused commands to stop, leading to a foot pursuit.
The chase continued into a parking deck near the hospital’s North Tower.
Police Shooting at Parking Deck
Chief Pickett said the officer ordered the man to stop, but he allegedly continued to refuse commands.
The officer then deployed his Taser in an attempt to detain him. According to police, the man began attempting to gain control of the officer’s Taser.
The officer subsequently fired his service weapon, striking the man.
Emergency personnel responded and provided medical assistance, but the man ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
His identity had not been publicly released as of the latest information available.
Officer Placed on Administrative Leave
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard while a police-involved shooting is investigated.
Birmingham Police Department homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Their findings will eventually be submitted to the district attorney for review.
Chief Pickett acknowledged that the incident is likely to raise questions within the community.
“We recognize there are a lot of questions and concerns,” Pickett said, emphasizing the department's commitment to accountability and transparency.
Police said body-camera footage may be released once investigators determine that doing so will not compromise the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Continues
The incident prompted a significant police response, with officers from throughout the city initially called to assist. Traffic on University Boulevard was also temporarily blocked as authorities secured the area.
The shooting marks the 29th homicide in Birmingham this year, according to police. It is also the second fatal shooting involving a Birmingham police officer this year.
Investigators are continuing to examine what happened at the McDonald’s, the ensuing foot pursuit and the confrontation inside the parking deck.
The identity of the deceased man, additional details about the initial alleged assault and other circumstances surrounding the encounter are expected to be clarified as the investigation progresses.
For now, authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active, and the district attorney will ultimately review the findings.
The thoughts of many remain with everyone affected by the incident as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal police shooting.