Sheriff's Detectives Investigating Shooting In Center Point

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Jefferson County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a shooting in north east Jefferson County with one person dead.

At about 3:20 Tuesday afternoon deputies responded to a shooting complaint on Hillview Lane in Center Point with one person dead in the driver’s seat of a car from an apparent gunshot wound. A second victim was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.

A gun, illegal drugs, and cash were found in the car with the deceased victim. Information at the scene indicates that this shooting is drug related.

While on the scene, deputies learned of a third adult male who had arrived at an area hospital by private vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. His injuries are serious, but not life threatening.

The third male was questioned by detectives. He alleges that the first two picked him up at an apartment complex near the shooting location in order to purchase heroin. They drove to Hillview Lane to conduct the transaction. Once there, the front passenger pulled a gun and shot him. He pulled a gun and fired back striking both people in the front seat. A friend picked him up and took him to the hospital.

The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Gavan Jamal Averhart of Bessemer. The two remaining in the hospital are under guard.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450.

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images