N.C. Police Officer Shot While Investigating Stolen Vehicle
What to Know
- A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer was shot just early Wednesday while responding to a 911 call about two people in a suspicious vehicle.
- Investigators said the vehicle had been reported stolen and that a suspect opened fire on the police officer, striking him before fleeing the scene.
- The wounded police officer remains hospitalized in stable condition, and authorities are seeking security camera footage and public tips to help identify the suspect, who remains at large.
“The caller indicated that there were two suspects in a suspicious vehicle involved in suspected criminal activity. The suspect vehicle was later determined to be recently reported stolen,” CMPD said in a news release.
“An officer arrived on scene at approximately 12:28 a.m. Preliminary information indicates that the officer encountered the suspect. The suspect then produced a firearm and fired his weapon in the direction of the officer, striking the officer. The suspect fled the scene.”
He is listed as being in stable condition at a hospital.
“An eyewitness on scene saw the officer in need of medical assistance and began to help,” CMPD Police Chief Estella D. Patterson said in a video posted on social media.
The suspect remains at large and a description has not yet been released.
The wounded officer was not able to return fire during the encounter, police said.
CMPD is asking homeowners in the area if they have security camera footage that may help in identifying the suspect.
“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective,” CMD said.
“The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or the Charlotte Crime Stoppers Website.”
_____________
©2026 The Charlotte Observer.
Visit charlotteobserver.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.