Birmingham sergeant was killed during a burglary investigation.

5years ago

A Birmingham police sergeant was killed and another officer critically wounded early Sunday morning while investigating a burglary.

Sgt. Wytasha Carter, 44, who in 2016 helped rescue two little girls buried under a collapsed roof was among officers who responded to a backup call from undercover officers who have observed a possible vehicle burglary.

Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said the officers approached the two suspects just before 2 a.m. outside a nightclub in downtown Birmingham after a plainclothes officer spotted one checking door handles on cars parked outside the venue. Smith said one suspect opened fire after being confronted by the officers.

Officer Carter was killed while another one severely injured.

One suspect was shot and wounded in the confrontation, while a second was placed under arrest, he said. The condition of the wounded suspect and the names of both were not immediately released.

The police department continues to investigate the shooting, and said another person may have been involved.

Carter is the first Birmingham Police officer killed in the line of duty in 14 years and the 52nd in the history of the department.