BPD is attempting to identify the person of interest in the mass shooting investigation

From Tribune staff reporting

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspicious person in connection with a shooting earlier this month that left one dead and six injured.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 5, seven people were shot at the Shell gas station at 800 3rd Avenue West.

David Westbrook, 24, of Wartrace, Tennessee, died from his injuries.

The BPD has released photos of a suspicious person and investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at (205) 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.

Cash rewards of up to $5,000 could be offered by Crime Stoppers for tips.

According to police, just after 2 a.m. on May 5, officers from the North and West Precinct were dispatched to multiple Shot Spotter alarms near the 700 and 800 blocks of 3rd Avenue West.

When the police arrived at the scene, they found a chaotic scene, according to media reports.

Officers observed a white sedan crash into a power pole and the victim inside the car suffering an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue (BFR) personnel arrived on scene and later pronounced the victim dead.

Officers also observed an adult man lying lifeless in the parking lot of a Shell gas station.

BFR transported the adult male to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Once on scene, officers learned that two adult male gunshot victims had arrived at Princeton Hospital and two additional adult male gunshot victims had arrived at UAB Hospital via private vehicles.

At around 10:30 a.m., officers also learned that a seventh adult male gunshot victim had arrived at Princeton Hospital in a private vehicle.

According to police, the preliminary investigation revealed that at least two parties exchanged fire when multiple victims, vehicles and a business – Boston Fish Supreme – were struck by gunfire.

Up to 150 shots may have been fired during the shooting.

Officers from Operation Knight Rider arrived and assisted patrol officers in taking two adult male subjects of interest into custody for questioning.

Both men were observed fleeing the scene and attempting to throw firearms.

According to BPD, this is the 42nd homicide investigation in Birmingham in 2024, with four justifiable death sentences.