NEWTON, NC- On July 8, 2024 at approximately 11:39 pm, the Newton Police Department
received a call from Catawba County Communications Center in reference to a 911 hang-up at
the Catawba Pines Apartments, located at 815 East 1″” Street in Newton. Upon arrival on the
scene, officers were confronted by numerous noncomplying subjects in the parking lot. While
the officers were trying to locate the 911 hang-up caller, they made contact with a male subject
who was brandishing a gun. While attempting to get the male to drop the gun, the male
subject fired several shots at the officers. After a brief standoff, the officers returned fire,
striking the male, causing him to fall to the ground. The male subject was then secured as the
officers and EMS began performing lie saving measures. The male subject was transported by
ambulance to the Catawba Valley Medical Center where he was then flown by helicopter to
Atrium Health Medical Center in Charlotte, where he is listed in critical condition. At this time,
no names are being released and per departmental policies, those officers and deputies
involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations findings and the findings of the internal
investigations by the Newton Police Department and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
The following agencies assisted the Newton Police Department with this investigation; The
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Catawba
County Sheriff’s Office, Conover Police Department, Hickory Police Department, Catawba
County EMS, and the Newton Fire Department.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information about this incident is asked to
contact the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430