From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham police detective shot and wounded outside of Ruth’s Café early Friday morning was identified by the department as a 19-year veteran of the force.
The Birmingham Police Department identified the detective as Mikiel Smith, 47, currently of the Investigations Bureau.
Smith was wounded during a shootout on Friday morning at Ruth’s Café on 24th St. N., in Birmingham, following the restaurant calling the police department to report a disturbance. According to Ruth’s Café, the subject – currently unidentified – refused to pay for their meal. The staff at the café told the subject to leave, who refused.
The authorities were then called, which brought Smith to the scene. As Smith arrived, the subject, who remained outside the café, promptly engaged. Smith was wounded in the initial burst, but he was able to return fire, striking the subject.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived and transported Smith to UAB Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The subject was subsequently pronounced dead by hospital staff.
The Alabama State Bureau of Investigations will take the lead in the investigation. Additional information will be provided as it comes available.