Birmingham, AL 06/30/2016
Just before 6:00 pm this evening deputies from the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a drug search warrant at a home in the 2900 block of Dowell Avenue SW in Birmingham. After knocking and announcing their presence and purpose they forced entry into the home. The deputies were immediately fired upon by an unseen suspect shooting through a wall.
One deputy was struck by gunfire. Other deputies returned fire and dragged the wounded deputy out of the house and called for assistance.
Three suspects fled the house on foot at that time. Two were taken into custody immediately. One of them had been shot in the shoulder. It was learned that the third suspect that fled was shot in the ankle and was able to get a ride away from the area. He remains at large. This suspect is described as a black male wearing a purple shirt.
Three suspects remained inside the house and refused to come out. Birmingham Police along with other deputies arrived on the scene and established a perimeter. The Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrived. Tear gas was put into the house and two of the three remaining suspects came out and were taken into custody. The final suspect was taken into custody as the SWAT team entered the home.
Three adult males and one adult female are being questioned by detectives at the Sheriff’s Office. One suspect remains at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. A sixth suspect with a wounded ankle remains at large. Charges have not yet been announced.
The deputy sustained non-life threatening injuries and is expected to recover but will need reconstructive knee surgery.