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Media Release 90

Officer Involved Shooting Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department reports investigators are conducting an Officer Involved Shooting Investigation. The incident occurred on Friday, April 24, 2020.

At approximately 8:20 a.m., a Birmingham Police Detective was at Ruth’s Café located at 4012 24th Street North when he was alerted by staff of a disturbance. The detective attempted to make contact with the subject outside the business and was immediately met with gunfire. The detective was wounded by the assailant’s gunfire. The detective was able to return fire. The suspect was also wounded during the exchange. Birmingham Fire and Rescue reported to the scene and transported the injured detective and the suspect to UAB Hospital. The detective suffered non-life-threatening injuries and expected to recover from his injuries. The suspect was mortally wounded and pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

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 injured BPD Detective has been identified as:
Mikiel Smith, (47), B/M. Detective Smith has 19 years of service with the Birmingham Police Department. Detective Smith is assigned to the Investigations Bureau.

The Alabama State Bureau of Investigations will take the lead in this Officer Involved Shooting Investigation. Additional information will be provided as it comes available.

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https://police.birminghamal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Media-Release-90-Officer-Involved-Shooting.pdf