WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A Weaverville police officer was involved in a shooting outside a local store Monday night, the department said Tuesday.
During a suspected theft at the Walmart on Northridge Commons Parkway, a man attacked a Weaverville Police Department officer, a news release from the department said.
“In response to the assault, an officer-involved shooting occurred,” the release said.
The suspect’s injuries were not life-threatening, officials said.
The officer was conducting a “crime prevention detail” about 9:20 p.m. when the the officer saw “Walmart asset protection personnel” chasing a man into the parking lot. The officer attempted to stop the man, who was suspected of stealing from the store, the news release said.
“The officer was assaulted and pepper sprayed by the suspect,” the news release said. “The officer then discharged his firearm, which struck the suspect.”
The man was taken into custody and transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. The officer was also injured and treated at Mission Hospital. He has since been released, officials said.
As is standard reporting protocol, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, the release said. The involved officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of SBI’s investigation.
“The Weaverville Police Department understands the community’s concerns and is committed to ensuring transparency in this matter,” the news release said.