On Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 9:35 am, a Hickory Police Officer was sitting in his marked police vehicle in the parking lot of El Paso Mexican Restaurant, 1709 N Center St. The officer observed a white male later identified as Robert Mitchell Lester, 35, of Hickory walking towards his patrol vehicle with a knife in his hand. The officer exited his vehicle and confronted Lester. Lester continued to walk towards the officer in an aggressive manner and verbally challenged the officer. Additional officers arrived on scene and gave Lester numerous commands to drop the knife he was holding.
Lester continued to challenge the officers then proceeded to flee on foot towards St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 52 16th Avenue NW where church members were arriving for service. A K-9 Officer released his K-9 in attempt to apprehend Lester. Lester attempted to stab the K-9 as he continued to flee towards the property of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.
Officers continued to pursue Lester as he ran across the property of St. Lukes. One officer fell to the ground as he and Lester approached 16th Avenue NW. Lester turned toward the officer with the knife in his hand and officers fired their weapons, striking Lester. Officers took Lester into custody and immediately began providing first aid. He was transported to Carolinas Medical Center and is currently in stable condition.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was requested and responded to conduct an independent investigation of the officer involved shooting. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
In reference to this incident, Robert Mitchell Lester will have multiple charges pending upon his release from the hospital. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Hickory Police Department at (828)328-5551