An online fundraising account for slain Birmingham police Sgt. Wytasha "Wyt" Carter has been set up by a friend of the sergeant's children.
The 44-year-old sergeant was killed in the line of duty early Sunday morning on the city's north side.
The campaign's goal is $1,000.
The ordeal that left Carter dead and another Birmingham police officer wounded began at 1:59 a.m. Sunday when officers were working a special detail dealing with a rash of car break-ins in the north Birmingham area. An undercover officer spotted at least two suspects who appeared to be trying door handles to see if they were locked in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue North outside the 4 Seasons Bar and Grill. The officer called for backup, and Carter came to the scene.
The chief said the officers were "unable to respond" and were "taken completely by surprise" when they were shot.
Carter, the second officer – who has been on the force just under two years – and the older suspect were rushed to UAB Hospital. Carter was pronounced dead at the hospital and the other officer is being treated for critical wounds. The 31-year-old suspect is also hospitalized, and the younger suspect has been taken into custody.
Police haven't released the names of the two suspects or the injured officer.
Mark Coby, the parent of an Oak Mountain High School student, said he and Carter's son were in the school band together. He said Carter was part of the "Truck Dawgs" crew of parent volunteers who loaded and unloaded band equipment for school football games, and described Carter as a "real nice guy" who was always helping the group.
Dr. Travis Bender, the high school's band director, sent an email Sunday to all the band parents: "This morning, we woke up to the tragic news that a local police officer was killed in a shooting early Sunday in downtown Birmingham. This officer, Sgt. Wytasha Carter, was a member of our band family...[and] was a staple of our 'Truck Dawg' crew this past fall, and could frequently be seen at rehearsals and performances in uniform supporting our band. He was often first to respond to requests for volunteers and was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He worked fervently to support his child, our band program, and the Oak Mountain community. We are shocked about this sad news, and hope to surround the Carter family with our love at this difficult time."