Charlotte Officer Shot Responding to Car Burglary, 14-Year-Old in Custody

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer has been hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds after being shot in east Charlotte, NC, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Monday morning.

The suspect is 14 years old and is in custody, officials said. He will be charged with robbery and attempted murder of a police officer, the Charlotte Observer reports.

The incident happened around 7:20 a.m. and began with a call about a vehicle break-in at apartments.

Officers arrived and a foot chase ensued, officials said.

The suspect fired at police while he was being chased and hit one officer, Deputy Chief Coerte Voorhees said. He said that officer returned fire but didn’t hit the suspect or anyone else.

“It is a bad day in Charlotte or anywhere when a 14-year old-possesses a gun and tries to kill a police officer,” Voorhees said. “We’re fortunate today this wasn’t more serious” for officers or the suspect.