Officer Cullen Stafford continues to recover following downtown shootout
Officer Cullen Stafford
Officer Cullen Stafford is continuing to recover from multiple surgeries after being injured in a downtown Birmingham shooting, Police Chief Patrick Smith said Thursday, July 18, in a joint news conference with Mayor Randall Woodfin.
Stafford was among officers who were dispatched to a robbery at the Family Supermarket on 23rd Street North Wednesday evening. The suspect opened fire on the officers when they attempted to apprehend him.
Stafford was shot between five and seven times – once in the face, twice in the upper torso and multiple times in one leg, Smith said. Stafford “has a very long road to recovery and he’s going to need our support,” Smith said. “We’re going to be there for him.”
The suspect, who was killed on the scene, has been identified but details have not been released pending contact of next of kin, Smith added.
Stafford was assigned to a citywide task force, one designed to address “the very type of violence that almost claimed his life,” Smith said. “You will not find a more committed individual to making sure that violence in this city is subsided.”
Woodfin thanked the UAB trauma surgery team for their work, and well as Stafford’s colleagues who came to his aid during his time of need.
“Our officers put their lives on the line every single day in this city, to protect and serve the people of Birmingham.” Woodfin said. “I think it’s important for all of us – the mayor, council, citizens – to uplift them. Today we are focused on Officer Stafford and we are in full support of this police department.”
Mayor Woodfin also took a moment to salute Stafford, who is celebrating his birthday today. “The fact that he is alive today and we can celebrate this way, I’m truly honored to say the words, ‘Happy birthday, Officer Stafford.’”
