An officer involved shooting occurred late Monday night (July 8) in Newton. Shortly after 11:30 p.m. Monday, the Newton Police Department received a call from Catawba County Communications Center in reference to a 911 hang-up at the Catawba Pines Apartments on East 1st Street.
Upon arrival on the scene, officers were confronted by numerous noncomplying subjects in the parking lot. While the officers were trying to find the 911 hang-up caller, they made contact with a man who was brandishing a gun. While attempting to get the man to drop the gun, the individual fired several shots at the officers. After a brief standoff, the officers returned fire, striking the man, causing him to fall to the ground.
The man was then secured as the officers and EMS began performing life saving measures. He was transported by ambulance to the Catawba Valley Medical Center where he was then flown by helicopter to Atrium Health Medical Center in Charlotte, where he was last reported to be in critical condition.
At this time, no names are being released and per departmental policies, those officers and deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation findings as well as the result of the internal probes being conducted the Newton Police Department nd the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430.
Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY