27-Year-Old Man Shot And Killed By Birmingham Police

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A 27-year-old man was shot and killed Wednesday night in downtown Birmingham following a pursuit that began in the Tom Brown Village Housing Community.

Police said the incident began just before 6 p.m. as an altercation between 27-year-old Keleen Rashad Connell of Vestavia Hills and police officers. Connell ran from the scene and was pursued by Birmingham officers.

"A foot pursuit ensued which led to the 4300 block of Morris Avenue," Sgt. Rod Mauldin of the Birmingham Police Department said. "During the interaction the suspect was shot. Officers immediately rendered aid and summoned medical attention from Birmingham Fire and Rescue. The suspect was pronounced deceased on the scene."

No officers were injured during this incident, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will be the lead investigative agency in the case.

"It is heartbreaking and devastating in all cases of officer involved shootings," acting police chief Scott Thurmond said in a statement Thursday. "The Birmingham Police Department would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those involved as well as the community. The Birmingham Police Department acknowledges how significant incidents affect the community and is fully committed to providing the highest quality of police services to our community."