CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — An off-duty police officer was placed on administrative leave after firing a shot at a suspect who allegedly pointed a firearm at them during an encounter in northeast Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident began shortly before 5 p.m., when officers received a report of gunfire directed toward an occupied vehicle from the victim, located near North Tryon Street. The victim stated that while driving down the street, they were shot by someone standing beside the road. According to Major Brad Koch, this shooting resulted in damage to at least one car but no physical injuries.
An off-duty officer on duty for CATS light rail was flagged down and informed about a suspect believed responsible for the earlier shooting. Upon encountering the individual identified as 37-year-old Jarod Starks, the officer perceived an imminent threat when they saw what appeared to be a firearm being pointed at them. The officer then discharged their weapon once in response.
Starks managed to flee into a nearby business and barricaded himself inside before voluntarily surrendering after negotiations with police. No injuries were reported among civilians or officers involved; both the suspect and the off-duty officer received precautionary medical attention afterward.
The Charlotte Police Department (CMPD) has launched an internal investigation led by their Internal Affairs Division, standard procedure following any use of force incidents involving law enforcement personnel. Additional units including SWAT, Homicide Unit, Fire Department, MEDIC, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney's office were deployed to secure the area.
The CMPD has not released details about the identity or status of the off-duty officer involved in this incident beyond confirming they are on administrative leave pending further investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact local authorities at 704-432-8477 (TIPS) or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.
This event highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and police accountability within Charlotte, as tensions remain high following recent incidents involving use of force by law enforcement.