On Friday, April 3, 2026, at approximately 8:35 AM the Hickory Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call from a female reporting that her husband was in possession of a firearm and intended to harm himself. Officers were dispatched to the residence located at 304 5th Street SE.
While officers were responding, multiple neighbors called 911 and reported that the male subject was standing on his porch and firing a weapon at vehicles passing by the residence. One male driver was struck by that gunfire. He was transported to a local hospital where he is currently listed in stable condition.
Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect, identified as James Andrew Thompson, 64 years old. Thompson was seated on the front porch holding a handgun. Officers issued multiple verbal commands instructing him to put down the weapon. Thompson refused to comply and raised the firearm toward the officers. In response to this threat, officers discharged their weapons. Thompson was pronounced deceased at the scene by Catawba County EMS.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was contacted and is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. In accordance with departmental policy, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Hickory Police Department at (828)328-5551.