38-year-old Birmingham woman charged in attack on three officers - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

The Birmingham Police Department reports that four Birmingham Police officers were injured while they executed an outstanding arrest warrant Wednesday afternoon.

Members of the Birmingham Police Department's Crime Reduction Team arrived at 1307 44th Street North around 4 p.m. today to execute an outstanding robbery warrant on a female suspect. Officers observed the suspect, Sister Shemeco Tawana Riley, 38, of Birmingham, approach the front door then retreat into the rear of the apartment. The suspect returned to the door and advanced towards the officers.

Unbeknownst to the officers, Riley was in possession of a box cutter.

As the suspect exited the apartment, she began to cut three of the officers. The suspect also pushed one officer from the elevated apartment deck.

Officers were able to eventually detain Riley and prevent further injury. 

Three of the four injured officers were transported to UAB Hospital for treatment while the fourth was treated at the scene before receiving additional treatment at UAB.

Riley was arrested on two outstanding robbery warrants and investigators anticipate obtaining four additional warrants for Attempted Murder on a Police Officer.

"This incident quickly escalated into a deadly force encounter; but the officers showed courageous restraint under the circumstances." Chief A.C. Roper said. "We're very fortunate we didn't lose an officer today."