Birmingham, Alabama –

Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old former student-athlete from Hudsonville High School in Michigan, was shot multiple times during a gun sale gone wrong in Birmingham. The incident took place on Saturday evening as Carter attempted to buy a firearm he had arranged to purchase through a social media platform.

Carter sustained serious injuries, suffering gunshot wounds to his skull, hand, arm, and chest. Fortunately, while the injury to his skull caused brain bruising, it did not penetrate the brain. He is currently being treated in a trauma unit at UAB Hospital and could be discharged as soon as Tuesday.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Carter remains conscious and retains full functionality, although he is described as being “beat up pretty badly.” According to information shared by his mother through the school, he did not require surgery following the shooting.

Incident Details

Police responded to reports of the shooting shortly before 6 p.m. near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle. Upon arrival, officers found Carter on the ground with life-threatening injuries. He was quickly transported to the hospital for emergency care by the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.

The preliminary investigation by the Birmingham Police Department indicates that the interaction during the attempted gun purchase escalated into a robbery. During this encounter, Carter was shot and his vehicle was stolen. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities are actively seeking information to help in their investigation.

Safety Concerns

In light of this incident, Birmingham Police Department Sergeant LaQuitta Wade has urged the public to exercise extreme caution. She highlighted the dangers associated with purchasing firearms from unlicensed sellers via social media, advising individuals to obtain firearms only from licensed dealers to avoid such violent outcomes.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to reach out to Birmingham robbery detectives or to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips provided could be crucial in resolving the case and ensuring community safety.

Background Context

Ethan Carter recently graduated from high school and was in Birmingham for training, as he has committed to play college football at Davenport University. The shooting incident has raised concerns not only among the local community in Birmingham but also in his hometown and among those who had followed his athletic career. As people learn of Carter’s situation, many are expressing their support and hoping for his swift recovery.

This event serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with illegal firearm transactions and the potential dangers young people may face when engaging in such activities. The Birmingham Police Department maintains that transactions made outside of licensed environments can expose individuals to significant risks, emphasizing the importance of safety and caution in future dealings.