Shootout Downtown, Vet Lawsuit Moves Forward: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — What a week it was for Birmingham area police officers. Multiple police-involved shootings occurred this past week, but none were quite as dramatic as the shootout between a robbery suspect and Birmingham police July 17 which hospitalized officer Cullen Stafford.

That was one of the big stories that made headlines this last week. Another story that popped up on Patch during the week involved a former Alabaster veterinarian who filed a lawsuit against her former employer after she was dismissed. A Shelby County judge dismissed her employer's motion to dismiss the case, which could have major implications regarding defamation on social media.

Here are some of the stories that made Patch headlines this past week:

Officer Shot, Suspect Killed In Police Shootout

A Birmingham police officer spent his birthday recovering from surgery after being shot three times by a robbery suspect. The suspect was shot and killed by another officer later.

Judge Rejects Dismissal Of Alabaster Veterinarian's Lawsuit

A circuit judge in Shelby County Thursday denied a motion to toss out a former Alabaster veterinarian's lawsuit filed against Banfield Pet Hospital. Dr. Nikki Hamilton-Cox alleged that Banfield engaged in conduct that resulted in damage to her reputation.

Suspects In 2018 Murder Of Roebuck Couple May Face Death Penalty

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Zachary Phillips, 24, and Kristen Gullion, 30, were indicted by a grand jury on two counts of capital murder in the Aug. 2, 2018 deaths of Mary and Joe "Steve" Holt.

Hoover Man Arrested, Accused Of Impersonating Police

Hoover Police received a report of someone in a black SUV attempting to pull over motorists on Greystone Way near Castlehill Road at approximately 10 p.m. Thursday.

Man Dies After Fleeing Traffic Stop In Tarrant

A man who crashed his vehicle while fleeing police in Tarrant Thursday has died. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Anthony Terrane Gardner. He was 31 and lived in east Birmingham.