Suspect Killed In Shootout With Police Identified

BIRMINGHAM, AL — As Birmingham police officer Cullen Stafford recovers in UAB Hospital from three gunshot wounds, the man with whom he exchanged gunfire has now been identified. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office confirmed Friday the suspect killed in the shootout is Roderick Wilson, 35, from Pinson.

Alabama court records show Wilson had a history of run-ins with the law. Though never convicted of a felony, Wilson had been arrested on multiple charges over the past decade, and as recently as two weeks ago, according to an Alabama Media Group report.

Wilson was arrested July 5 on charges issued in February 2018 of attempting to elude a police officer and resisting arrest. He spent one night in the Jefferson County Jail and was released the following day on $600 bond.

The incident began as a robbery attempt at a convenience store on 22nd Street North. When police spotted the suspect - now identified as Wilson - leaving the store, they reportedly tried to stop him but he opened fire.

A foot chase followed, with gunfire exchanged between Wilson and police. Stafford was shot three times in the process.

Another officer was injured when he fell while chasing Wilson, reports say.