Suspected pepper spray officer leads to officer-involved shooting in NC

WEAVERVILLE, NC (FOX Carolina) – Weaverville police said an investigation is underway after an officer-involved shooting occurred Monday in the parking lot of a Walmart.

According to the department, officers were conducting crime prevention details at the Walmart at 25 Northridge Commons Parkway around 9:20 p.m. when they witnessed a man being chased into the parking lot by Walmart asset protection personnel.

Police said when the officer tried to arrest the man suspected of stealing from the store, the suspect attacked the officer and sprayed him with pepper spray. In response to the assault, the officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect.

Officials said the suspect, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was taken into custody and transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. The officer was also treated in hospital for his injuries and has since been released.

Following standard protocol, Weaverville police called the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the SBI’s investigation.

Stay tuned as we work to learn more.

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