N.C. Officer Shoots Robbery Suspect at Wendy's

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --

A Charlotte Mecklenburg police officer shot a robbery suspect in south Charlotte, CMPD said.

The incident happened at the Wendy’s restaurant at the Park Road Shopping Center, near Woodlawn Road, at about 1:30 a.m. Friday.

Police said they received a 911 call about a robbery in progress from the manager at the restaurant. Officer Orville Payne III was the first to arrive at the scene and said he saw 25-year-old Zavier Davis with a gun leaving the back of the restaurant.

The officer fired at Davis, wounding the upper part of both of his legs, CMPD said.

"One of our officers came in from the rear of the building, at which time a subject exited, carrying a firearm," Chief Rodney Monroe said. "He encountered the officer, the officer fired at least one shot."

Davis is currently in stable condition at Carolinas Medical Center. He is charged with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, four counts of kidnapping and one count of possession of firearm by a felon.

Davis spent five years in prison after robbing other Charlotte fast-food restaurants and shooting two people, according to records. He’s been out on parole since February.

Police said they detained a second suspect at the scene. That person went to police headquarters voluntarily for questioning, officers said.

Payne has been placed on administrative leave with pay, which is normal department policy when an officer is involved in a shooting. Internal Affairs will also conduct an investigation to ensure all policies and procedures were followed, CMPD said.