Man killed in shootout with officers, police say

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — A man has been killed following an officer-involved shooting in the parking lot of the Catawba County Government Center early Tuesday morning.

At about 12:35 a.m., the Newton Police Department received a call from a 38-year-old woman who said she had been shot on Government Drive.

Police arrived at the scene, but she had already left the area.

Emergency officials eventually found the victim in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Northwest Boulevard and began working to provide aid.

Channel 9′s Dave Faherty confirmed Clanton was already inside the ambulance with the EMS crew when 33-year-old Jamar Franklin Robinson pulled into the parking lot in a van.

Police said Robinson then jumped out of the vehicle and began firing at the officers and the ambulance, striking it once. The van kept rolling through the parking lot, striking the victim’s car, according to reports.

Police said they then returned fire and eventually struck Robinson, which caused him to drop his firearm.

Both the woman and Robinson sustained several gunshot wounds. They were both taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center before being flown by helicopter to Atrium Health Medical Center in Charlotte, according to police.

Police said the woman is currently in stable condition; however, Robinson died from his injuries.

At this time, it has been established that the woman and the man had previously been in a relationship. Police said the woman had gone to the Catawba County Government Center to press charges against him.

However, the identities of the officers involved in this incident are not being released at this time.

Those officers have also been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.

“This morning we had several first responders, including police, fire, and EMS, caught in the middle of this tragic situation while trying to save a life. It is unfortunate that officers had to take a life in order to save several lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with our officers, the victim, and others affected by this senseless act of violence. Domestic violence continues to be a serious matter and needs to be addressed immediately,” said Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence abuse, there is help available. Assistance is available 24/7 at the Safe Alliance of Greater Charlotte’s Hope line at 980-771-HOPE.

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