The Birmingham area experienced another incident of violence over the weekend as a fatal shooting occurred outside a Waffle House in east Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the restaurant located in the 2200 block of Center Point Parkway early this morning following reports of a person threatening to shoot patrons.

According to Jefferson County sheriff's Lt. Joni Money, prior to the arrival of the deputies at around 1:30 a.m., a 26-year-old man engaged in a confrontation with a patron. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in the patron firing a shot that fatally wounded the young man. Tragically, the 26-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

This incident marks yet another violent episode in the Birmingham area over the weekend. On Saturday alone, three other lives were lost due to separate incidents. One individual was killed at the Pita Stop on Southside, another near a food truck in the Lakeview District, and a third inside a residence in southwest Birmingham.

The weekend's rash of violence has left the community in shock and mourning. Reports indicate that there have been a total of 183 homicides countywide so far in 2023, reflecting the disturbing trend of rising violence in the area. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting outside the Waffle House to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Those who may have witnessed the incident or have information pertinent to the case are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 or the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 205-325-1450, option 2. The community is reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant and working together to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.