Birmingham police officer kills 38-year-old man in parking deck shooting

The Jefferson County coroner has identified 38-year-old Matthew Sean Massey as the man killed in a police shooting at the UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham parking deck last week.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, the incident began when a security guard reported that Massey had assaulted a McDonald’s employee. An officer attempted to detain Massey, who reportedly fled on foot into the parking deck. During the encounter, the officer deployed a Taser, but Massey allegedly attempted to take control of the device. The officer then drew a firearm and shot Massey, who later died.

The involved officer, a seven-year veteran of the department, has been placed on administrative leave. The Birmingham Police Department’s Homicide Division is leading the investigation, and findings will be submitted to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. Body camera footage is expected to be released once it no longer compromises the investigation.