By Erica Thomas, managing editor
BIRMINGHAM — The family of the man shot and killed by Birmingham Police after a chase and struggle, said their loved one has been struggling mentally for several years now.
The family of Armanda Contreras, 43, of Pinson, said they were notified late on Monday that Contreras had been taken to UAB Hospital after getting into a physical altercation with police.
The family rushed to the hospital and found out Contreras was not going to survive.
Police said that around 7 p.m. on Monday, officers tried to stop a vehicle that was driving erratically on the wrong side of the road, in the 9100 block of Parkway East. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and continued to the 8500 block of 1st Avenue North.
Sgt. Rodarius Mauldin said the man exited the vehicle and went into a restaurant. Witnesses told police the man armed himself with a bottle. As they approached him, officers said the man threw items at them.
The officers deployed their stun guns but were unable to subdue the man so they tried hand-to-hand techniques, Mauldin said. At that time, the man was able to take one of the officer’s stun guns and that’s when officers fired shots, striking the man. Although he continued to fight, Mauldin said the man eventually collapsed on the scene.
Contreras died around 11:15 p.m. after doctors told the family there was nothing else they could do to save his life. He had several gunshot wounds that impacted vital organs.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has been called in to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Birmingham Police acted in line with their Use of Force policy, after attempting several non-lethal tactics, Mauldin said.
No officers or innocent bystanders were hurt in the struggle. Family members said they are thankful no one else was injured.
The Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity of Contreras on Wednesday.
If you know someone challenged by mental health issues, go to www.crisiscenterbham.org, or call the Crisis Line at (205) 323-7777.