A Hickory Police Officer and a suspect were both wounded during an early morning shootout.
Police responded to Gateway Pub and Grill on US 70 around 2am. Officers are said to have attempted to place an armed man in custody when a second gunman shot the Officer twice. The gunfire was returned striking the suspect.
Catawba County EMS workers took the injured officer to Frye Regional Medical Center. The officer was treated for injuries related to the shooting and is expected to recover.
The suspect was airlifted to a regional medical facility and is reported in critical condition.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was asked to conduct an independent investigation.