Off-Duty Officer Shot in Uptown Charlotte During Disturbance, Suspect Arrested After Foot Chase

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An off-duty police officer was shot in the leg early Saturday morning during a physical confrontation in uptown Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

The incident unfolded shortly after 6:15 a.m. near the 600 block of North Church Street, outside an apartment complex, police said.

“We received phone calls and notifications that we had an officer needing assistance,” CMPD stated, adding that the disturbance occurred outdoors.

Altercation Turns Violent

The off-duty officer, who was the first to respond, confronted a suspect near the scene. According to officials, a physical altercation broke out, and the officer was struck by a single gunshot to the leg.

Police say the officer was alone when he made contact with the suspect. The department has not yet confirmed who fired the weapon or to whom it belonged.

“It’s still early in the investigation,” CMPD noted. “We’re working to determine whether the officer was in uniform or plain clothes and how the weapon was discharged.”

The officer was rushed to surgery and remains in stable condition at the hospital, but investigators say he has not yet been able to give a full statement due to his injuries.

Suspect Captured After Brief Chase

Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on foot. A responding officer spotted the suspect running and initiated a foot pursuit. Additional units joined the search and successfully apprehended the individual, who was taken in for questioning.

“As officers arrived, they were able to assist with medical treatment and take the suspect into custody,” CMPD confirmed in a press conference with Queen City News.

As of Sunday morning, the suspect’s identity has not been released, and no charges have been formally announced.

Investigation Underway by Homicide Unit

The case is now in the hands of CMPD’s Homicide Unit and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, which are jointly reviewing the events leading up to the confrontation.

CMPD acknowledged the growing risks officers face on and off duty:

“Whether in uniform or not, officers face danger any time they step into a situation to protect others. There’s an inherent risk in this job,” a spokesperson told Queen City News.

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