Police Investigate An Officer Involved Shooting In Belmont, 1 Man Facing Charges

BELMONT, N.C. — Detectives with the Belmont Police Department say a man is under arrest for his involvement in a shooting that occurred outside of Keith Hawthorne Ford dealership in Belmont on Thursday.

Dustan Hoffman will be charged with eight counts of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, assault on a government official, going armed to terrorize the public, and discharging a firearm onto occupied property, and possibly more after being released from the hospital, according to a news release.

Officers say they responded to the dealership on North Main Street around 4 p.m. on March 11th, after receiving reports that an armed man was threatening to shoot employees inside of the business.

Officers say they were able to find the suspect and attempted to deescalate the situation, when the suspect fired his gun at officers and into the business occupied by employees and customers.

Police say these officers returned fire as the suspect drove his car out of the dealership onto McAdenville Road, and the suspect collided with two other vehicles shortly after leaving.

Detectives say the suspect, Hoffman, was shot during the incident by return fire from police officers and was taken to Caromont Regional Medical Center for treatment.

No other injuries were reported during this incident, and the eight Belmont police officers involved have been assigned to administrative duties while the investigation into this case remains ongoing, according to a news release.

Officials say both the North Carolina State Bureau and North Carolina Highway Patrol are assisting in this investigation.

Police say anyone with more information is asked to call Captain Jason Davis of the Belmont Police Department at 704-829-4037