BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A homicide investigation is currently ongoing in Birmingham’s Woodlawn community following the tragic death of a man in a wheelchair in a drive-by shooting. The incident took place near the intersection of 59th Street North and 1st Avenue North, close to significant landmarks such as Woodlawn High School and the Birmingham Public Library. The Birmingham Police Department responded to a call around 3 p.m. reporting several shots fired in the area, as detected by Shot Spotter technology.
The victim, identified as 62-year-old Michael Coleman, was well-known for spending time in the area and was found hanging out with a group of individuals near a tree by the roadside when the shooting occurred. Despite receiving meals from passing individuals, Coleman was tragically shot while in his wheelchair, leading to his untimely death at the scene, confirmed by Birmingham Fire and Rescue. Sergeant LaQuitta Wade of the BPD indicated that Coleman was not the intended target of the shooting.
Sheila Coleman, the victim’s sister-in-law, expressed her distress over the senseless act of violence, highlighting the challenges faced by someone battling ALS in the final stages of the disease. The tragic event left no other persons injured, and as of now, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the crime. The investigation remains ongoing, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of individuals in our communities and the importance of maintaining safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The impact of gun violence on innocent lives underscores the need for collective efforts to address the root causes of such crimes and work towards creating safer environments for all members of society. The community mourns the loss of Michael Coleman and stands in solidarity with his loved ones during this difficult time.