CMPD officers fired at while serving search warrant in Gastonia, police say

GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers were shot at in Gastonia while serving a warrant for a homicide suspect Sunday morning, according to the department.

Officers said the shooting happened around 7:18 a.m. off North Falls Street.

[Officer-involved shooting reported in east Charlotte]

According to CMPD, the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team was serving a warrant for Joseph Sherman Crawford when he allegedly began shooting from his car at an unmarked police car and a nearby house.

Police say drove off and officers engaged in a chase that ended at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

There were no known injuries and no CMPD officers fired their service weapons, according to police.

Crawford was arrested by CMPD and charged with first-degree murder related to the death of Ryan Shamel Elliott and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

During a brief court hearing Tuesday morning, bond was not set and Crawford was scheduled for a June 7 court appearance.

Gastonia Police are conducting their own investigation for the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and felony to elude.

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