By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An 18-year-old football player from Michigan is recovering after being shot multiple times in Birmingham during a gun sale arranged through social media.
Ethan Carter, a recent graduate of Hudsonville High School and football commit at Davenport University, was in Birmingham for training when he was shot Saturday near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle.
According to a post from his high school, Carter suffered gunshot wounds to the skull, hand, arm, and chest. Miraculously, the bullet to his skull did not penetrate. He is currently conscious and recovering in a trauma unit at UAB Hospital.
Police said the shooting occurred during a planned meeting to purchase a Glock firearm, which had been arranged online. The situation escalated into a robbery, during which Carter was shot and his vehicle stolen.
Authorities emphasized that there’s no indication the sale itself was illegal, but warned the public about the dangers of private firearm transactions.
“These types of transactions are among the most dangerous,” said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department. “Always use licensed dealers when acquiring a firearm.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Birmingham robbery detectives at 205-254-1753 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Carter is expected to be released from the hospital as early as Tuesday, according to family updates.