CHARLOTTE, N.C.– The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting at Northlake Mall Thursday afternoon. 
Police say that two groups of people with a history of feuding encountered each other inside the mall and got into an altercation. 18-year-old Daquan Antonio Westbrook fired a gun during the altercation.
According to police, Officer Thomas Ferguson was working off-duty inside the mall and heard multiple shots being fired inside the mall. He responded and found Westbrook with a gun.
Witnesses tell police that the Westbrook pointed the gun at Officer Ferguson who then fired his service weapon.
Police say other officers working off-duty in the mall arrived and began rendering aid to the Westbrook.
Medic pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Police say that this was not a random act of violence and that the subjects involved knew each other.
The Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate but parallel investigation to determine whether or not CMPD policies were adhered to during the incident. Per department protocol, Officer Ferguson has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the shooting investigation. He has been employed with CMPD since 1996.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Koll is the leaddetective assigned to the case. The public can also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or visit the Crime Stoppers mobile app website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.
