Local Church Burglary Results In Gunfire Exchange With Police

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Birmingham police officer exchanged gunfire with a person believed to be in the process of committing a burglary at a local church Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred just after 2:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Temple Church at 433 1st Street North.

Sgt. Rod Mauldin of the Birmingham Police Department said the officer entered the church and discovered an armed man inside. Shots were fired, but Mauldin said the suspect was not injured in the exchange, and the officer sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene.

"There were no parishioners at the church during this incident," Mauldin said. "Alabama Bureau of Investigation will take the lead in this investigation."