BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A man in a wheelchair tragically lost his life in a drive-by shooting that took place in Birmingham’s Woodlawn community. The incident occurred near the intersection of 59th Street North and 1st Avenue North, close to Woodlawn High School and the Birmingham Public Library, as reported by the Birmingham Police Department.
Authorities were called to the scene around 3 p.m. after Shot Spotter detected multiple rounds fired in the area. The victim, identified as 62-year-old Michael Coleman, a familiar face in the community, was spending time with a group of individuals under a tree near the road when a vehicle pulled up and gunfire erupted.
Sheila Coleman, the victim’s sister-in-law, described how Michael was often visited by people who brought him meals and spent time with him under the tree. Sadly, Michael was found unresponsive in his wheelchair with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
SGT LaQuitta Wade, a public information officer with BPD, stated that they do not believe Michael was the intended target of the shooting. Sheila expressed her grief, highlighting the senselessness of the act toward someone battling ALS in the final stages of the disease.
Fortunately, no other individuals were harmed during the incident, and at present, no suspects are in custody. The investigation into the homicide is ongoing, with updates to follow as new information becomes available.
This tragic event has left the Woodlawn community shaken, prompting concerns about safety and the need for measures to prevent such senseless violence in the future. Our hearts go out to Michael Coleman’s loved ones as they cope with this devastating loss.