Crime & Safety
Suspect Charged In Robbery That Led To Police Officer's Shooting
A 25-year-old Birmingham man was taken into custody and charged with robbery, along with a teen who shot a Birmingham police officer.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged with a robbery connected with the shooting of a Birmingham police officer. Chris Leon Burke is being held on $250,000 bond.
Burke is one of the robbery suspects spotted by Birmingham police officer John Finkeoutside a church service for which Finke was working security. Finke reportdly recognized Burke and 16-year-old Jahmari Leshaun Wright.
When Finke approached Burke and Wright, they exchanged gunfire and Finke was hit. Additional officers were called to the area to search for Burke and Wright and the suspects were located in the 2200 block of Bessemer Road.
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Both were taken into custody without further incident. Responding officers located property that was reported taken during the robbery along with a handgun.
Finke, a 14-year police veteran, remains in serious condition and has undergone surgery.
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