Late yesterday evening, a Union County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a sedan parked in the parking lot of the Sunny Food Mart located at 1800 Walkup Avenue in Monroe. As the deputy initiated the traffic stop, the driver of the suspect vehicle attempted to flee by using his vehicle to strike at least three UCSO deputy vehicles involved with the traffic stop. During the flight attempt, a UCSO deputy discharged his duty issued firearm striking the driver of the suspect vehicle. Deputies on scene rendered first aid and the suspect was ultimately transported to Atrium Main for further medical treatment. At the time of the shooting, the suspect vehicle was occupied by multiple parties but the only party injured was the driver. The UCSO deputies involved in this incident were not injured.

As is standard protocol for this type of incident, Union County Sheriff E. Cathy has requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent investigation of the shooting incident and the deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave. Any request for details pertaining to the status of this investigation should be directed to the NCSBI.

Point of contact for this press release is Lt. James Maye, (704)506-6843