Sgt. Wytasha Carter had been with the Birmingham Police Department since 2011. (CNN) — An Alabama police sergeant was killed and another officer critically wounded in a shooting in Birmingham early Sunday, police said. The officers were investigating a call about vehicle burglaries when they encountered two suspects just before 2 a.m. local time, according to Birmingham Police Department Sergeant Johnny Williams. “The officers approached the suspects to investigate when one suspect produced a weapon and began to fire at the officers,” Williams said in a press release. The officers and one of the suspects were struck by gunfire and taken to UAB Hospital. A second suspect was taken into custody. Sergeant Wytasha Carter, 44, of Birmingham, later died of his injuries, police said. He is survived by his wife and two children. Injured officer not ‘out of the woods’ The second officer is still in a “very critical” condition, Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said Sunday during a news conference. “Trust me when I tell you, he is not completely out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination,” Smith said. The police chief said the injured officer has been with the Birmingham Police Department for about two years. “For me as Chief of Police, it’s very difficult for me to look both of their families in the eye and explain to them the tragedy that we have had to endure and – for one of them – that their loved one will not be coming back,” he said. “Sgt. Carter’s family has endured a lot. In a matter of moments, everything they knew as true and their expectation of tomorrow has changed.” He said both suspects are local and about 18 years old. Asked if there was a third suspect, Smith said police were keeping all options open. “We’re trying to determine exactly how many people were there,” he said. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said the entire community was mourning Carter’s death. “Sgt. Carter is a husband, a father, a son, a brother who lost his life in the line of duty today,” he said, imploring people to keep praying for Carter’s family and the police community. ’A very compassionate, natural born leader’ Carter had been with the Birmingham Police Department since 2011 and had been promoted to sergeant in February 2018, police said. He began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a correctional officer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and served as an officer for the Leeds and Fairfield police departments before transferring to Birmingham, the police department said. Carter had also served with the US Air Force and had an arts degree from Belford University, police said. “Everyone around him, who’s worked with him, has indicated that he was a very compassionate, natural born leader,” Smith said. “They enjoyed working with him, working around him.” The State Bureau of Investigation is the lead agency investigating the shooting, he said. CNN’s Artemis Moshtaghian and Carma Hassan contributed to this report.<doc-sep>Advertisement Birmingham police sergeant killed, officer injured after confronting car burglary suspect Stay with WVTM 13 News for the latest updates Share Shares Copy Link Copy A car burglary investigation near downtown Birmingham turned deadly early Sunday morning when a suspect opened fire on two officers, killing one of them.The shooting occurred on 5th Avenue North, where an undercover officer and a uniformed sergeant encountered a pair of car burglary suspects just before 2 a.m. Smith said one suspect pulled a gun and opened fire after being confronted by the officers. "The officers approached the suspects to investigate when one suspect produced a weapon and began to fire at the officers," Birmingham police said in a release. The chief said the sergeant, who has been identified as 44-year-old Wytasha Carter, was "mortally wounded" and the officer was critically injured.Birmingham police said Carter had been with the department since 2011 and was promoted to sergeant in February of last year. The Phillips High graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran began his law enforcement career as a correctional officer in Shelby County. Carter, who is survived by his wife and children, is the first Birmingham officer killed in the line of duty in more than 14 years. On June 17, 2004, three officers were shot and killed while serving a drug warrant in Ensley, marking the deadliest day in department history. "This is one of the roughest hours of your career," Smith said. "There's not a chief, not an officer that ever wants to have to deal with this. This is a very difficult thing for the family, very difficult for the department. "VIDEO: Birmingham PD chief, mayor on deadly shootingSmith said one 31-year-old suspect was injured in the shooting and taken to UAB Hospital for treatment. The second suspect, who is 18 years old, was taken into custody. The police chief said officers are trying to determine exactly how many people were involved, and they are looking into the possibility of a third suspect.The conditions of the injured officer and wounded suspect are unknown at this time.The State Bureau of Investigation is leading in investigation into the shooting. Birmingham Mayor Randall released this statement about Carter's death and police risking their lives every day to protect the city. Here is Woodfin's full statement:"Sgt. Wytasha Carter laid down his life for the city he served. This husband and father was a true public servant and will be honored by each of us. "As this investigation continues, I ask that everyone pause and reflect on how our Birmingham police officers go out every day to protect our community. We also remain in prayer for the second officer who was shot along with Sgt. Carter. He is currently in critical condition. "As the scripture teaches us, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. ""Each day, Birmingham police officers risk their lives when they report for duty. This is a time of mourning for our city, but please know our police officers will be dedicated to justice and continued service for the people of Birmingham. "Birmingham City Councilman Hunter Williams released a statement on behalf of the council and said they will work with the mayor to combat violence in the city. "The Birmingham City Council stands with the law abiding citizens, families, and victims, and will cooperatively work with Mayor Woodfin and other law enforcement agencies to combat this senseless act of violence," Williams said. "We know the negative impact of gun violence on the health and safety of our communities must be met with swift and certain punishment. The Birmingham City Council fully stands behind all of the men and women of the Birmingham Police Department in their efforts to make sure justice is served. "In a statement, Governor Kay Ivey said Sgt. Carter's death is a terrible loss for the entire state of Alabama. Here is the governor's full statement:"We began today with the heartbreaking news that Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter was killed in the line of duty and a second officer still remains in critical condition. On behalf of the entire state of Alabama, I offer my deepest sympathies and prayers as we mourn the death of Sergeant Carter, which came far too soon. This is a terrible loss for Sergeant Carter’s loved ones, his fellow law enforcement officers and our entire state. Let us keep Sergeant Carter, his wife and children close to our hearts during this difficult time. ""I offer my fervent prayers to the second officer still fighting to stay alive. I also pray for the doctors, nurses and staff working to help this officer survive the tragedy. To this officer, know that the people of Alabama stand behind you. ""We must never forget the tremendous sacrifice that our law enforcement make each and every day. We certainly will always remember Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter and his ultimate sacrifice for the people of Birmingham who he served so well. "Look for more updates on WVTM 13 and in the WVTM 13 News App.WVTM 13 coverage of deadly officer shooting:Funeral plans announced for Sgt. CarterSecurity video shows scene of deadly shootingFOP President talks grieving process for law enforcementMayor: Violent crime "has to be declared a public health crisis"Birmingham police chief speaks about department's lossJefferson County attorney remembers fallen Birmingham officerBirmingham PD North Precinct mourning loss of slain sergeantVIDEO: Birmingham PD salute for slain officer as body leaves hospitalFriends and colleagues remember Birmingham Police Sgt. Wytasha CarterBirmingham police chief, mayor on shooting that left 1 officer dead, another injuredBirmingham police sergeant killed, officer injured after confronting car burglary suspectCheck out the outpouring of messages shared on social media from law enforcement agencies around the state:Alabama Attorney General Steve MarshallAlabama lost a police officer, another is critically injured in Birmingham. We stand with them and their families.<doc-sep>One Birmingham police officer was killed and another critically wounded in a shooting early Sunday outside a downtown nightclub. The shooting happened just before 2 a.m. in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue North outside the 4 Seasons Bar & Grill. One suspect was taken into custody and one suspect was also shot. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service transported all three to UAB Hospital’s Trauma Center. Birmingham police officials identified the fallen officer as Sgt. Wytasha Carter, 44. He had served with the Birmingham Police Department since 2011, where he has worked various assignments including West Precinct, HICOPP and Youth Services as a school resource officer. Carter was promoted to sergeant in February 2018. Carter began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a correctional officer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Later that year he joined the Leeds Police Department where he served as an officer. In 2007, Sergeant Carter joined the Fairfield Police Department until transferring to the Birmingham Police Department. He was a 1993 graduate of Phillips High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Belford University. He also served in the United States Air Force. He is survived by his wife and children. The sergeant is the 52nd Birmingham police officer killed in the line of duty. The last time an officer was killed was June 17, 2004 when Robert Bennett, Harley Chisholm and Carlos Owens were gunned down in an ambush outside an Ensley drug house. "This is one of the roughest hours of your career.'' said Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith. “There’s not a chief, not an officer that ever wants to have to deal with this. This is a very very difficult thing for the family, and for the department.” "Each and every day the men and women of the Birmingham Police Department do everything that we can to try to address crime within the city. We do everything that we can to try to protect and serve the people of the city of Birmingham with pride with respect. We do everything we can to keep everyone safe,'' the chief said. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin called Carter a “true public servant” who will be honored. "As this investigation continues, I ask that everyone pause and reflect on how our Birmingham police officers go out everyday to protect our community,'' Woodfin said. “We also remain in prayer for the second officer who was shot along with Sgt. Carter. He is currently in critical condition.” “As the scripture teaches us, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,.’'' the mayor said. “Each day, Birmingham police officers risk their lives when they report for duty. This is a time of mourning for our city, but please know our police officers are dedicated to justice and continued service for the people of Birmingham.” The ordeal began at 1:59 a.m. when officers were working a special detail dealing with a rash of car break-ins in that area. An undercover officer spotted at least two suspects who appeared to be trying door handles to see if they were locked. The officer called for backup, and the sergeant arrived. The officer and the sergeant approached two suspects. "The officers approached one suspect and patted him down where they found what they believed to be a weapon,'' Smith said. “They asked him about it, he armed himself and fired upon our officers.” "What I can tell you is it appears our officers were unable to respond,'' he said. “They were taken completely by surprise. We can’t go into great detail because we are still in the infancy stage of the investigation.” The second officer remains critical at UAB Hospital. "Both of them were shot in very critical areas,'' Smith said. Dozens of officers are keeping vigil in the emergency room area and later saluted as the mortuary transport van left the hospital. More than a half dozen patrol cars escorted the fallen officer’s body as he was taken away from the hospital. Smith said he did not immediately know the condition of the suspect who was wounded. The second suspect is under arrest. “We’re not absolutely certain right now if we have one outstanding suspect but we have other possibilities and the investigation is ongoing.” The chief said he does not know if the break-ins in that area are linked to similar crimes in other downtown areas. "This is a problem we’ve been working in the city and that’s why the officers were out here trying to make sure we do everything we can to protect the citizens,'' he said. Smith said he has spoken to family members of one of the officers. “You know the main thing is we’re here for them and we’re going to do everything that we can to support them,'' he said. “This is a difficult time. There are members on this department that have worked with them for years and they’re hurting just like everyone else.” Dozens of officers gathered outside of UAB’s emergency room, some of them visibly emotional. "We ask that everyone be respectful of their space. We want to give them their time to grieve and we’re going to continue to move forward and do everything we can to keep the citizens of Birmingham safe,'' he said. At a public safety Town Hall meeting held late last week, Smith talked of volume of weapons that police are taking off the street each day. "We’re averaging just under 200 a month,'' he said, adding that they confiscated more than 2,200 in 2018. "That lets you know what is happening and the number of weapons that are out there and the sheer dangers that our officers face each day,'' he said. "We do it successfully, we do it safely, and this is just one of those very unfortunate times that it led to a tragedy. " Police have set up a massive multi-block perimeter around the crime scene. Officers from all four of the city’s police precincts are on the scene, as are officers from Bessemer and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.<doc-sep>An investigation into a suspected car burglary in Alabama's largest city turned deadly early Sunday when a suspect opened fire on two officers, killing one and critically injuring another, officials said. Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said at a news conference the two officers had approached two suspects just before 2 a.m. outside a downtown nightclub, after a plainclothes officer spotted at least one suspect checking door handles on cars parked outside the venue. “This is one of the roughest hours of your career. There’s not a chief, not an officer, that ever wants to have to deal with this," Smith told reporters. "This is a very, very difficult thing for the family. A very difficult thing for the department.” ILLINOIS STATE TROOPER FATALLY STRUCK WHILE INVESTIGATING VEHICLE CRASH ON INTERSTATE Smith said there had been burglaries in the area and that the officers were working the investigation at the time of the shooting, WBRC reported. Sergeant Wytasha Carter died in the shooting and the other officer, who has not yet been identified is in critical condition, according to police. "This is one of the roughest hours of your career. There’s not a chief, not an officer, that ever wants to have to deal with this." — Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith Carter, who began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a correctional officer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, transferred to the Birmingham Police Department in 2007, according to a police press release. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Belford University and served in the U.S. Air Force. In 2016, Carter was one of three officers who rushed into a house fire to save two little girls, according to WBRC. In regards to the suspects, the chief said that one suspect is currently in custody, one suspect is receiving medical attention. “The main thing is that we’re here for them. We’re going to do everything that we can to support them," Smith told reporters when asked about the family of the slain officer. "This is a very difficult time. There are members of the department who have worked with them for years. They are hurting like everyone else.” OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN 2018 The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said on Twitter it was sending "thoughts and prayers to our fellow officers at Birmingham PD." Birmingham Mayor Randall Wood said on Twitter he was "praying for the family" of the slain officer, and that police continue to investigate the deadly shooting. "As a city, we stand with the families of these officers and the Birmingham Police Department at this tragic time," he said. The officer was the first Birmingham officer killed in the line of duty in more than 14 years, according to WVTM-TV. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Birmingham officer's death followed last week's killings of police officers in Shreveport, La., and Davis, Calif., and Saturday's vehicular death of an Illinois state trooper.<doc-sep>
EMBED >More News Videos Police surround the location of a suspect in the killing of Officer Corona. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (KTRK) -- One Birmingham police sergeant was killed and another officer critically wounded early Sunday morning in a shooting as they questioned two people suspected of trying to break into cars in Alabama's largest city.Two suspects are in custody, one of whom was shot and is receiving medical treatment, officials said.Police identified the officer who was fatally shot as Sgt. Wytasha Carter, 44, who had been with the department since 2011. They haven't released the names of the wounded officer or the suspects.Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said the officers approached the two suspects just before 2 a.m. outside a nightclub in downtown Birmingham, after a plainclothes officer spotted one checking door handles on cars parked outside the venue. Smith said one suspect opened fire after being confronted by the officers. "This is one of the roughest hours of your career," Smith said at a news conference, according to local media reports. "There's not a chief, not an officer that ever wants to have to deal with this. This is a very difficult thing for the family, very difficult for the department. "Officers were working a special detail in response to a rash of car break-ins in that area. When the undercover officer spotted suspects who appeared to be testing door handles on cars, he called for backup and Carter arrived, officials said. "The officers approached one suspect and patted him down where they found what they believed to be a weapon," Smith said. "They asked him about it, he armed himself and fired upon our officers. "Smith added: "It appears our officers were unable to respond. They were taken completely by surprise. We can't go into great detail because we are still in the infancy stage of the investigation. "Carter began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a correctional officer with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and worked for two other police departments before transferring to the Birmingham department. He was promoted to sergeant in February 2018.News outlets said this is the first Birmingham officer killed in the line of duty in more than 14 years.Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin called for prayers on Twitter. "Join me in praying for the family of the Birmingham Police officer killed early this morning, and the officer who is currently in the hospital. They were shot while serving and protecting our city," he tweeted.U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town issued a statement calling the shooting "a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers all law enforcement face while we sleep."