Birmingham Police Officer Shot, 3 Suspects In Custody

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Birmingham police officer in pursuit of a suspect was shot when the two exchanged gunfire. Both the officer and the suspect were taken to a nearby hospital, according to a Birmingham Police Department report.

The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. Wednesday on Tuscaloosa Avenue. Police said an investigation into a stolen vehicle led to a traffic stop, which turned into a shootout when two suspects exited the vehicle firing shots. An officer, identified as Tony Wheeler, was shot in the leg and taken to UAB Hospital by fellow officefs. A suspect who was shot was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Reports say two suspects were taken into custody immediately while another remained at large until just after 3:30 p.m. when he was finally apprehended.

Sgt. Rod Mauldin of the Birmingham Police Department said both the officer and the suspect who were shot are expected to recover.

"These senseless acts of violence must stop," Birmingham City Council President William Parker said in a statement Wednesday. "We are calling on all our residents to come together and unite against these hostile acts, because this violence affects us all. We are offering our thoughts and prayers to the officer and their family during this difficult time. We are going to continue monitoring this situation closely and provide any support we can."