Officer shoots armed convicted felon in ‘high crime area,’ CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — An officer-involved shooting investigation is underway early Thursday night in north Charlotte, police said.

It happened on West Sugar Creek Road near Interstate 85, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said.

Officers were patrolling the “high crime area” at about 6:30 p.m. and saw the suspect who was armed. He was known by police to be a convicted felon with a violent history, including murder and attempted murder.

CMPD officers went up to the armed suspect in the parking lot of the Chicken Box restaurant. There was a brief struggle and officers said there was an imminent deadly threat.

“A struggle did ensue,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. “The officers that were there noticed that he still had at least one firearm in his possession. During the struggle, they noticed he had two firearms in his possession. Officers perceived an imminent threat. At that point, gave him several commands to drop the weapon, drop the firearm. One officer fired a shot at the individual.”

The suspect was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The suspect’s two guns were recovered from the scene. Convicted felons are not allowed to have any guns.

‘Area feels more dangerous’

People who live and work off West Sugar Creek Road street said they were not surprised about what happened.

They fear for their safety so much they didn’t want their faces shown.

“It feels really unsafe because I never know when something will happen to me or one of my coworkers,” said an employee who works in the area.

“I’ve been working here for more than three years and as the time goes on, the area feels more dangerous,” said another person.

The State Bureau of Investigation took over the case and CMPD Internal Affairs is conducting its own investigation, too.

Channel 9 has asked CMPD for the names of the suspect and the officer involved.

No additional details have been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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