HICKORY, N.C. — Two Jacksonville men are facing charges after a police officer was shot last week in North Carolina, the Hickory Police Department said on Tuesday.
A release from police states officers responded on May 26 around 2 a.m. to a reported shooting at a restaurant located at 534 Highway 70 in southwest Hickory, which is about an hour drive from Charlotte.
When officers arrived, they encountered an armed suspect. As officers were attempting to take the suspect into custody, a second armed suspect began shooting at officers, according to police.
One of the responding officers, identified as Joseph Hart, was shot twice. Another officer fired back at the suspect, striking him.
Emergency medical services were contacted in reference to both the officer's and the suspect's injuries.
The officer was taken to the hospital and was later released. He is expected to recover.
The suspect, identified as Khalil Lawerence, of Jacksonville, remains hospitalized for his injuries. He is in stable condition, according to police.
He faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer.
Police said grand jury indictments were issued for Khalil Lawerence, and he will be served after he is released from the hospital.
The other suspect who is not accused of shooting at officers, identified as Khyren Lawerence, faces charges of going armed to the terror of the public and carrying a concealed weapon.
Our Charlotte station, WCNC, asked the Hickory Police Department if the suspects are related.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The officer who returned fire at the suspect has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation, according to police.
