Update
The man has been identified as 33-year-old Jamar Robinson and the victim has been identified as 38-year-old Heather Clanton.
Original Story
NEWTON. N.C. – Authorities say Newton police officers killed a man who shot a woman and then returned to the scene and shot at first responders while they were rendering aid on the gunshot victim.
The man was struck multiple times by gunfire and died at the hospital from the injuries he sustained in the shooting, according to a news release.
The woman is listed in stable condition. The original call was made around 12:35am on Tuesday, May28th. The victim told dispatchers she had been shot and was in the parking lot of the Catawba County Government Center. When first responders arrived on the scene they located the woman in the Planet Fitness parking lot on Northwest Boulevard.
While officers were on the scene, the alleged shooter drove into the parking lot and began shooting into the area of the officers and EMS while they were providing medical services to the woman.
Officers on the scene returned fire, striking the suspect which caused him to drop his firearm, according to a news release.
Both the victim and the suspect sustained several gunshot wounds and were transported by ambulance to Catawba Valley Medical Center where they were then flown by helicopter to Atrium Health Medical Center in Charlotte. No officers or EMS personnel were injured in the shooting.
Police say the victim and the suspect knew each other. At this time, no names are being released per departmental policies and the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations’ findings, according to a news release.
“This morning we had several first responders to include police, fire and EMS caught in the middle of this tragic situation while trying to save a life. It is unfortunate that officers had to take a life in order to save several lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with our officers, the victim and others affected by this senseless act of violence. Domestic violence continues to be a serious matter and needs to be addressed immediately. If you or someone you know are in a mentally and/or physically abusive relationship, call 911 in emergency situations, 828-465-7430 for any other help or contact the Family Guidance Center @ 828-322-1400 (Crisis @ 828-228-1787) for counseling and mental health assistance.” Chief Vidal Sipe.
