Fatal officer-involved shooting connected to earlier homicide near Uptown, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that followed a separate shooting that left one person dead and another seriously injured near Uptown, CMPD confirms.

No officers were injured, but CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said four officers were transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

Around 4 p.m., officers responded to North Hoskins Road in regards to a shooting. Two victims were located at the scene. Both were transported to the hospital where one was pronounced dead and the other is in critical condition.

In the same area, officers received a call about an alleged kidnapping and home invasion. During the home invasion, the suspect is accused of kidnapping the homeowner and taking her car.

A short time later, officers located the vehicle involved in the kidnapping. A vehicle pursuit ensued, and the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at the officers, striking the police cars, according to police.

The crime spree caused several vehicle crashes and road closures between northwest and west Charlotte, according to sources.

Jennings said the suspect crashed kidnapping victim’s car at Freedom Drive and Morehead Street. The suspect is accused of getting out of the vehicle and firing shots at CMPD officers, Jennings said. While running from the scene, Jennings said the suspect continued to fire shots at CMPD officers.

After an exchange of gunfire with officers, the suspect was killed, Jennings said.

Police said the firearm the suspect was using has been recovered.

The State Bureau of Investigation will be taking over the investigation of the officer-involved shooting. CMPD will be investigating the initial homicide and shooting that happened on North Hoskins Road.