THE LATEST:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man who was wanted for two robberies on Wednesday and shot by a K-9 police officer in West Charlotte has been identified as 32-year-old Michael Kelley, CMPD says.
The officer has also been identified as Timothy Kiefer.
Investigators say Officer Kiefer saw Kelley on foot along West Boulevard and attempted to make contact with him in the parking lot of 1520 West Boulevard. Officer Kiefer then exited his car and began giving loud, repetitive, verbal commands to Kelley.
Kelley began walk quickly toward Officer Kiefer. Officer Kiefer opened the rear door of his police car and brought out his K-9.
Officer Kiefer gave commands to his police dog to engage Kelley. Kelley then sprinted toward the officer, ignoring the commands by Officer Kiefer.
The officer felt threatened and fire his weapon, striking Kelley.
Kelley was pronounced dead at Atrium Health and his family has been notified of his death.
Crime Scene technicians recovered a knife at the scene of the incident.
Officer Kiefer has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The officer-involved shooting is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
ORIGINAL STORY:
CHARLOTTE, NC — A suspect is dead after police say he was shot by an officer in west Charlotte Wednesday afternoon. CMPD says the suspect was approached by officers because he matched the description of a man wanted for two armed robberies earlier in the day.
The shooting happened around 4:30pm in a parking lot on West Boulevard near Remount Road. A CMPD K9 unit reportedly spotted the suspect on foot and attempted to make contact.
Witnesses at the scene say the suspect hid behind a nearby dumpster when the officer approached, and refused to obey commands. When the suspect did emerge, witnesses say he appeared to be hiding something behind his back.
CMPD says the K9 officer “perceived an imminent deadly threat” and fired his weapon. Witnesses say they heard six to 10 shots when the shooting occurred.
A knife was later recovered at the scene, according to CMPD.
The suspect was transported to Atrium Health for treatment, but pronounced dead a short time later. The officer was not injured.
According to police, the suspect is believed to be responsible for two earlier armed robberies.
Around 1:40pm, a man reportedly entered the Clanton Presbyterian Church on Freeland Lane and asked for money. When the victim refused, police say the suspect pulled out a box cutter and cut him before stealing his keys and taking off in his Infiniti.
A short time later, police say another robbery occurred at the Family Dollar on W. Tyvola Road. Employees reported that the suspect was armed with a gun and left the scene in an Infiniti.
CMPD says the stolen Infiniti was spotted around 2:40pm in the parking lot on West Boulevard where the shooting occurred, but the suspect was missing. Officers were reportedly searching the area when the K9 officer spotted the suspect and tried to approach him.
The suspect and officer involved in the shooting have not yet been identified.
CMPD says the officer has been placed on paid Administrative Leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. The incident is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
