BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Authorities are actively searching for a suspect following a brazen daytime shooting that left 16-year-old Jamari Evans wounded Friday afternoon in east Birmingham.
According to Birmingham police, officers were dispatched at approximately 12:30 p.m. to the Shell gas station in the 400 block of Oporto-Madrid Boulevard after reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered Evans suffering from a gunshot wound. The teenager was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, and officials confirmed his injuries are not life-threatening.
Officer De’Rell Freeman said initial findings indicate that the suspect first entered the gas station and made a statement directed toward the victim. While it is unclear what was said, authorities believe the interaction was targeted rather than random. After exiting the store, the suspect reportedly returned moments later, pulled out a firearm, and fired multiple shots at the teenager before fleeing the scene.
Detectives and crime scene investigators spent much of the afternoon collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance video from the store, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the shooting. Police described the incident as “reckless and dangerous,” noting that the gunfire could have harmed other patrons inside the store or nearby.
“This could have easily been much worse,” Officer Freeman stated. “We are thankful that the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, but anytime a shooting happens in broad daylight, in a public space, it puts our entire community at risk.”
Authorities have not released a detailed description of the suspect but confirmed he remains at large. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The shooting has raised concerns among residents and business owners along Oporto-Madrid Boulevard, a heavily traveled corridor in east Birmingham. Several community members expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, saying incidents like Friday’s highlight the need for stronger safety measures and youth outreach programs.
The case remains an active investigation, with Birmingham police vowing to pursue every lead until the suspect is identified and taken into custody.
Do you want me to also add the suspect’s name if/when police identify him, or should I keep it as “unidentified suspect” until confirmed?
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