Officials: Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Deputy Released From Hospital After Being Shot In Northeast Charlotte

The Latest (2/23/22):

Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Deputy Dijon Whyms, who was shot during a traffic stop Saturday, has been released from Atrium Health and is expected to make a full recovery, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputy Whyms was released from the hospital on Monday morning.

According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Whyms underwent a successful surgery Sunday morning surrounded by family. Deputies say from his time at the hospital to his release, Deputy Whyms remained in good spirits.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office provided Deputy Whyms an escort home Monday morning.

“It was very emotional, and words cannot express watching my deputy walk out of the hospital today after being there upon his arrival Saturday,” Sheriff Garry McFadden said. “I’m still extremely thankful to CMPD, MEDIC, Charlotte Fire Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol and the countless agencies and leaders who have reached out. I’m confident that we will get justice because I know and trust the work ethic of my brothers across the street. We are grateful for all of the prayers, thoughts and consideration for Deputy Whyms and MCSO during this time.”

The suspect, 23-year-old Aidan Bryant, remains in CMPD custody at Atrium Health.

Warrants for his arrest will be served for possession of a stolen firearm, assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm and attempted first degree murder, according to authorities. Bryant has an unrelated warrant in Scotland County for larceny of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm.

The Latest (2/20/22):

Officials say Deputy Dijon Whyms is in recovery after undergoing surgery Sunday morning.

The Latest (2/19/22):

A Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s deputy was shot Saturday afternoon.

Authorities say around 4:15 p.m., Deputy Dijon Whyms was shot during a traffic stop.

They say when Deputy Whyms approached a car, a man inside, identified as Aidan Bryant, fired a gun multiple times, hitting and injuring Whyms. The deputy then shot Bryant, injuring him as well.

Bryant was arrested, and both men were taken to the hospital. Deputy Whyms is listed in stable condition. He has been with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office since 2002.

Sheriff Garry L. McFadden said, “Having been in this situation many times in my past career, it is more difficult to process as a leader. I am grateful for MEDIC, Charlotte Fire Department, CMPD, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Atrium Security and especially grateful for Officer Topper who administered a tourniquet to Deputy Whyms. It gave me great comfort seeing my brothers uniting to support the sheriff’s office during this difficult time. I have spoken to Deputy Whyms and his family and he is in good spirits.”

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, warrants have been obtained on Bryant for attempted first degree murder, assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, and two counts of possession of a stolen firearm.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.

Original Story (2/19/22):

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  Mecklenburg Co. Sheriff Garry McFadden confirms a Mecklenburg Co. Sheriff’s Deputy was shot in northeast Charlotte on Saturday afternoon.

There is a very large police presence at the scene on North Tryon Street near Salome Church Road.

It happened around 4:00 in the afternoon.

We’re following this breaking story. Check back for further details.