Suspect Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting In Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Birmingham police officer and a suspect sustained injuries during a gunfire exchange at Ruth's Cafe on 24th Street North in Birmingham Friday morning. Det. Mikiel Smith, 47, was taken to UAB Hospital with gunshot wounds, but is expected to recover.

Sgt. Rod Mauldin of the Birmingham Police Department said Smith 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.

Mauldin said the detective was wounded by the suspect’s gunfire. The detective was able to return fire. The suspect was also wounded during the exchange, and Birmingham Fire and Rescue reported to the scene and transported the injured detective and the suspect to UAB Hospital.

The suspect was mortally wounded and pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

The preliminary investigation suggests the suspect refused to pay for a meal at Ruth’s Café prior to exiting the location. Mauldin said the suspect remained outside of the business while 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, Mauldin said.

The name of the deceased suspect has not been released.