BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Police are investigating a shooting involving an officer and a suspect who reportedly refused to obey a traffic stop in Birmingham Wednesday afternoon.
Initial reports of a person shot came in just after 4 p.m. Wednesday. The Birmingham Police Department reports that a shooting that involved one of its officers took place in the 4700 block of 13th Avenue North.
According to BPD Chief Scott Thurmond, the shooting happened after the suspect failed to stop at a traffic stop, went off the interstate for an unspecified reason and left their vehicle, where a foot chase with an officer commenced.
"At some point, the subject fired a shot at our officer, our officer returned fire, the subject was struck once," Thurmond said. "It appears that subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment."
Thurmond said the officer, who was taken to a nearby hospital for observation, was not injured and that the suspect's injuries were not life-threatening.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will take over the shooting investigation. BPD officers are on the scene for assistance. Thurmond also stated body cam footage was recorded during the chase.
No further information has been released at this time.
This is a developing story.