Birmingham Community Shocked by Shooting Involving a Toddler
Last night in Birmingham’s Wylam neighborhood, a peaceful Sunday evening turned into a scene of chaos when a shooting left two people wounded, including an innocent 18-month-old girl. Our hearts truly go out to the family as we unravel the details of this alarming incident.
A Child’s Innocence Shattered
At approximately 6:45 p.m., Birmingham police received a call notifying them that the toddler had been rushed to Children’s of Alabama by a private vehicle. Fortunately, Officer Truman Fitzgerald reassured the public that the young girl’s condition is not life-threatening, which is a small glimmer of hope amidst a troubling situation.
What Happened?
Initially, officers believed that the tiny victim was caught in the crossfire of a shootout while simply riding in a vehicle. However, as they dug deeper into the investigation, they found that the shooting started at the 5-Way service station located at 4800 Eighth Ave. This was far from the innocent ride many might have imagined.
According to Officer Fitzgerald, it appears that a man fired shots directly at the vehicle where the girl was a passenger. It seems that the adult traveling with the toddler was the intended target of these harrowing shots, turning a night meant for relaxation into a nightmare.
An Adult Also Injured
The investigation took a deeper turn when police discovered that there was another victim involved in this disturbing incident. An adult male, who was in a separate vehicle, also suffered injuries during the shooting. Fortunately, like the toddler, he is also expected to survive. He was taken to UAB Hospital, but authorities have not released any detailed information regarding his condition.
The Quest for Justice
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, leaving the community on edge and desperate for answers. Police are urging anyone who might have information about the incident to step forward. If you know something, don’t hesitate to contact the Birmingham detectives at 205-254-1764 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Community Response
The Birmingham community is rallying together after witnessing such violence. People are left wondering how a moment of joy can turn so dark and what measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Community leaders and residents alike are calling for more dialogue and action to ensure safety in the streets.
As we hold our loved ones a little closer tonight, let’s remain hopeful for the recovery of the toddler and the adult injured in this tragic shooting. Community strength is needed more than ever. Support our local police as they work tirelessly to bring justice to those affected by this crime.
Reflecting on this heartbreaking event, one can’t help but feel a mix of emotions, from anger to sadness. Let’s hope for a future where families can enjoy a night out without fear of violence. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community!

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


