BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A Birmingham Sergeant is recovering after he was shot during a traffic stop turned foot chase.
According to Birmingham Police, the officer, later identified as Sergeant Anthony Wheeler, 35, was conducting a traffic stop with another sergeant Tuscaloosa Ave. and 12th Street Southwest around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday. The sergeants were reportedly following leads from an auto theft investigation.
Police say there were three people in the vehicle.
During the stop, two individuals left the vehicle and led the officer on a short foot chase. An exchange of gunfire between at least one suspect and the sergeant happened during the chase.
The officer was shot multiple times on the lower half of his body and was transported to UAB Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. One suspect was also shot and transported to UAB Hospital; the suspect's condition is still unknown.
Another suspect was taken into custody during the incident, and around 3:22 p.m. Birmingham Police say they took a third suspect into custody in the 1100 block of Cotton Ave SW, near 11th Street SW and Tuscaloosa Alley.
The Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and ALEA have taken over the ongoing investigation.
Sergeant Anthony Wheeler is reportedly doing well and has spoken to multiple people. Sergeant Wheeler has been with the Birmingham Police Department for 10 years.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
