Birmingham, Alabama – A deadly shootout erupted on a bustling First Avenue North in front of East Lake Park, claiming the life of one individual and leaving two others with severe injuries. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. on Saturday in the 8200 block of First Avenue North, near Interstate 59.
According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald, East Precinct officers received multiple Shot Spotter alerts around the same time, with more than 50 rounds of gunfire detected. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered four vehicles wrecked along First Avenue North, indicating a violent confrontation involving multiple vehicles.
Inside one of the vehicles, which had crashed through the park’s fence, were two men and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, one of the men succumbed to his injuries on-site, while the other two victims were rushed to UAB Hospital in critical condition.
Police suspect that the shootout took place on the roadway and that the victims may have been involved in the altercation based on the evidence observed. Investigators believe that a fourth vehicle found near the Shell gas station crashed while trying to escape the chaos, with the occupants of that vehicle having no connection to the shooting.
Authorities have closed off First Avenue North between 80th Street and 83rd Street as they continue to investigate the incident. Officer Fitzgerald noted that multiple guns were fired during the shootout, emphasizing the potential danger posed by such violence on a busy thoroughfare.
The fatal shooting marks Birmingham’s 68th homicide of the year, with a total of 91 homicides reported in Jefferson County. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.