Woman shot by Burke County officer during armed kidnapping on I-40
A sergeant encountered the suspect as a female in the bed of the truck.
BURKE COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – A portion of Interstate 40 east in Burke County was closed Tuesday following an officer-involved shooting, authorities said.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, all lanes of I-40 East were closed at exit 118, which is Old N.C. 10, in the Hildebran area because of the shooting. The road reopened at 2 p.m.
Around 6:45 a.m., the State Highway Patrol was notified of multiple hit-and-run traffic collisions occurring between McDowell and Burke Counties. A subsequent related armed kidnapping on I-40 eastbound near mile marker 114 took place.
It was reported that the involved individual was occupying the truck bed of the kidnapped victim’s vehicle traveling on I-40 eastbound.
A sergeant encountered the suspect as a female in the bed of the truck and she began firing shots. Sergeant Aaron Johnson returned fire, striking the suspect.
Sgt. Johnson is a 19-year veteran stationed in Troop F, District 1 Burke County.
The suspect was transported to the hospital and is listed in stable condition. Sgt. Johnson was not injured.
Authorities are continuing to identify the suspect.
The SBI is investigating the member-involved shooting, while the State Highway Patrol continues the ongoing investigation.
Sgt. Johnson has been placed on administrative duty, which is agency protocol in any member-involved shooting.
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