Alabama 6th grader shot during afterschool fight between two mothers, police say

Authorities in northern Jefferson County are investigating a distressing incident after a 6th grader was shot during a physical altercation between two mothers on Monday night. The shooting took place at the Chapel Creek Apartments in Fultondale following an earlier dispute between children.

Escalation of an After-School Dispute

Fultondale police Sgt. John Tanks reported that the chain of events began with a fight between two boys after school on Monday. Later that evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the mother of one of the boys went to the other mother's apartment within the same complex. A physical fight broke out between the two women.

According to Sgt. Tanks, one of the women was holding a handgun during the struggle when it discharged, striking the other woman’s child. The young victim was rushed to Children’s of Alabama and is currently in stable condition. Police Chief Marcel Walker confirmed the child is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Police Response and Investigation

One woman is currently in custody as the investigation continues. Chief Walker expressed deep frustration over the incident to 205focus.com, condemning the decision to involve firearms in a dispute between children.

“As chief of police, I am extremely upset and disappointed by the actions of these adult women,” Walker said. “A disagreement between children should never escalate to violence involving adults and firearms.”

The chief emphasized that such conduct has no place in the community. “This reckless behavior resulted in a young child being injured, and it will not be tolerated in our city,” Walker added. “We are praying for the juvenile victim and his family as this investigation continues.”