BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A Birmingham neighborhood was left shaken Monday afternoon after a man was fatally shot by police following reports of a person walking through an Ensley area neighborhood while allegedly brandishing a firearm.
According to the Birmingham Police Department, West Precinct officers responded around 3:45 p.m. to the 3100 block of Avenue I after residents called 911 reporting that a man was waving a gun, pulling on vehicle doors, and approaching homes.
Police said additional reports indicated the man was still armed and knocking on doors. Authorities also received information that shots had allegedly been fired toward a residence, though no one was injured.
Officers arrived at the scene shortly after being dispatched. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said an officer encountered the armed man and gave verbal commands for him to drop the weapon.
Police said the man advanced toward the officer, prompting the officer to fire. The man was struck and later died from his injuries.
Authorities have not released the identity of the man killed or additional details regarding the number of shots fired by the officer or the individual before police arrived. The investigation remains active.
A large police perimeter was established following the shooting, with portions of Interstate 20/59 access roads, Avenue I, and surrounding streets temporarily blocked as investigators searched the area for evidence.
Witnesses told authorities they saw officers instruct the man to drop the firearm before the shooting occurred. Police also recovered evidence from the scene, including searching for shell casings and other possible information related to the incident.
Investigators are working to determine the full sequence of events, including where and how many shots may have been fired before officers arrived. At least one residence was reportedly damaged by gunfire.
The incident marks the third fatal police shooting involving the Birmingham Police Department since June.
Sgt. Wade expressed sympathy for the family of the person killed while emphasizing the department’s commitment to protecting residents.
The Birmingham community now awaits answers as authorities continue investigating the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter in Ensley.
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