Accident – death – Obituary News :

A Pinson Man Fatally Shot at Pita Stop on Birmingham’s Southside

Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that took place during a confrontation at the Pita Stop restaurant on Birmingham’s Southside. The incident occurred on Saturday during the lunch hour, leaving the local community in shock.

The victim has been identified as Ricardo Tafoya Garcia, a 30-year-old resident of Pinson. He was shot at approximately 12:11 p.m. inside the Pita Stop, located in the 1100 block of 12th Street South. Despite immediate medical attention, Garcia was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital at 12:34 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Owner of Pita Stop Defends Shooting as Self-Defense

The owner of Pita Stop, Mohammad “Matt” Islam, a 41-year-old Middle Eastern restaurant veteran, claims that he had to resort to using lethal force to protect himself during the incident. Islam, who has been associated with the restaurant since 1999 and recently purchased it in 2021, alleges that Garcia, who appeared to be intoxicated, initiated the violence by assaulting him in the kitchen.

According to Islam, the altercation began when Garcia argued that he had already paid for his meal using a credit card. However, none of the three female employees present at the time could confirm receiving his payment. In an attempt to resolve the matter, Islam asked Garcia to open the credit card app on his phone. However, Garcia showed a payment receipt from a different Birmingham restaurant.

Islam returned the phone to Garcia, believing that he had successfully communicated the misunderstanding. However, the situation escalated when Garcia threatened to harm Islam, prompting a physical confrontation. Islam was allegedly struck by Garcia repeatedly, causing him to fear for his life.

A Life-Threatening Moment

Recalling the harrowing incident, Islam stated, “The next thing I know, something hit me and I’m on the ground and he was hitting me over and over. There was blood on the floor. I was trying to make him understand there was a miscommunication.” In that terrifying moment on the kitchen floor, Islam believed that his life was in imminent danger.

Fortunately, a courageous customer intervened, pulling Garcia off Islam and urging him to leave. This intervention potentially saved Islam’s life, as he later expressed his gratitude, saying, “If it was not for him, I’d be dead.” However, despite being removed from the immediate vicinity, Garcia remained within the restaurant premises.

A Desperate Act of Self-Defense

Worried about the safety of his employees and customers, Islam made a decision that he believes was necessary under the circumstances. He retrieved a firearm and shot Garcia three times. Following the shooting, Islam promptly contacted the police, who stayed on the line with him until an officer arrived at the scene.

Islam was subsequently taken to the Birmingham Police Administration Building for questioning and later released. At present, the case is being investigated as a potential act of self-defense, although authorities are continuing their inquiry.

Reopening Amidst Emotional Turmoil

Despite the traumatic incident, Pita Stop reopened its doors to the public on Saturday evening. Islam, however, is dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the encounter. His face is swollen, and he experiences bodily pain, making it difficult for him to sleep.

Hailing from Qatar, Islam has long been a well-known figure at the restaurant, often receiving personal requests from familiar customers. The news of his involvement in a fatal shooting has left those who know him shocked and saddened. Reflecting on the incident, Islam expressed profound remorse, stating, “I never thought in a million years this would happen. This will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

As the investigation into the shooting continues, the local community remains deeply affected by the tragic events that unfolded at Pita Stop on Birmingham’s Southside.

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