Suspect accused of 'violent crime' minutes before police officer was shot in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – A person accused of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police The officer is said to have committed another violent crime a few minutes before shooting at the police on Sunday evening.

In a press conference, CMPD Deputy Chief David Robinson said the shooting occurred along Arrowood Road after police conducted a traffic stop around 7:30 p.m.

Shortly before the suspect was stopped, police were called for a reported assault with a deadly weapon. Approximately three minutes after officers were dispatched to the original call, Real-time Crime Center The suspect vehicle was located. One minute later, officers initiated a traffic stop, and one minute later, shots were fired.

The officer was hit multiple times but is alive and said to be “in good spirits.” Robinson said his injuries were serious. A second officer was taken to the hospital as a precaution but was not struck by any bullets.

The suspect was also shot and taken to the hospital for treatment.

“This is not just about the two officers who were involved in this situation tonight … this is deeply shocking to all of us in the police force,” Robinson said during Sunday's press conference. “This should be deeply shocking to the entire community.”

When asked who fired first, Robinson said that would be determined through an investigation, but also spoke of the quick decisions officers had to make.

“Just think for a second about the split-second decisions that have to be made,” he said. “If you're talking to someone and they suddenly pull out a firearm… and you may have just committed a violent crime in the area a few minutes ago, what might the suspect be thinking, but [also] what will then happen to our police officers.”

Authorities have not yet released the suspect's name or the charges he may face.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly with a homicide detective. Tips can also be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by submitting information through their website.

Related: CMPD: Police officer and suspect shot during attempted traffic stop

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