Suspect Arrested in West Birmingham Shooting that Injured 12-Year-Old Boy

A 23-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a west Birmingham shooting that left a 12-year-old boy injured after being caught in the crossfire.

Birmingham police announced Saturday that Dennis Demarkus Buckner Jr. faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, first-degree assault, and discharging a firearm into an occupied building.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 3, shortly before 6:30 p.m. Officers from the West Precinct were dispatched to the 4900 block of Avenue Q in the Central Park neighborhood following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the injured child at a residence in the 1600 block of 49th Street Ensley, near the scene of the altercation.

The child was immediately transported by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening.

According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from a dispute between Buckner and the boy’s father, who are acquainted with each other. The situation escalated as both men exchanged gunfire—Buckner from outside the house and the boy’s father from inside.

Shot Spotter technology recorded five shots fired, and multiple shell casings were recovered from the street. Although neither Buckner nor the boy’s father was struck by the gunfire, one of the bullets may have penetrated the home, resulting in the child being grazed or shot.

The homeowner, who is the boy’s father, remained at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities. However, Buckner fled before the police arrived.

“This is yet another tragic example of adults resolving disputes with gunfire, leading to innocent victims being harmed,” said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Buckner on Tuesday. He was apprehended on Thursday and booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 10:06 p.m. Buckner remains in custody with bonds set at $120,000.