Shots fired after vehicle strikes lawman
Published 11:42 am Saturday, May 22, 2010
SEABOARD — Several law enforcement agencies are investigating after a police officer was struck by a vehicle and discharged his weapon, striking the driver.
According to Seaboard Police Chief George Reed, last Saturday morning after a social gathering at the Elks Lodge a large group of people gathered in the parking lot and soon after an altercation began.
“One young man involved with the altercation got into a vehicle and began to drive in a reckless manner, striking one person,” said Reed.
He said when two Seaboard Police officers responded to the scene the vehicle came at them.
“One police officer jumped behind a light pole and Sgt. Harold G. Phillips Jr. was struck by the vehicle on his left knee,” said Reed.
Phillips discharged his weapon into the vehicle, striking the driver in his right lower forearm.
Reed said the vehicle then fled the scene, but was later stopped by deputies from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office on NC 186. He added all three occupants in the vehicle were detained.
The driver was transported to Halifax Regional Medical Center and then to Pitt Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.
Sgt. Phillips was transported to Halifax Regional Medical Center later as well where he was treated and released.
Reed said the individual that was initially struck refused medical treatment.
“None of the injuries were life threatening,” he said.
The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation along with the State Highway Patrol.
The chief said he could not release the name of the driver at this time. Charges are pending.
Reed thanked the SBI, Highway Patrol, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Rich Square Police Department and Woodland Police Department for their assistance.
Reed went on to acknowledge that other incidents have occurred at the Elks Lodge, but were not reflective of what the lodge stands for.
“We have had numerous incidents happen at the Elks Lodge, but 99.9 percent of them never happen inside the lodge,” he said. “The lodge is very supportive of the community.”