Officer Involved Shooting
On 05/26/2024 at 01:56 a.m., Hickory Police Officers responded to multiple gunshots coming from the vicinity of Gateway Pub located at 534 Highway 70 Southwest Hickory, NC. After responding to the scene, officers encountered an armed suspect and attempted to take him into custody. While officers were attempting to detain the initial suspect, a second armed suspect began firing at officers. One officer was struck by two of the suspects rounds. An assisting officer reacted and discharged their firearm striking an armed suspect. EMS was immediately contacted as officers began life saving measures for the injured officer and suspect. The injured officer was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center where they were treated for their injuries, and is expected to recover. The injured suspect was flown to Carolinas Medical Center where they remain in critical condition.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was requested and responded to conduct and independent investigation of the officer involved shooting. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
The investigation of the initial shooting at Gateway Pub is being conducted by the Hickory Police Department. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.
Update 06/04/2024:
The first armed suspect encountered by officers has been identified as Khyren Rashaad Lawrence of Jacksonville, Florida. Lawrence has been charged with going armed to the terror of the public and carrying a concealed weapon.
The officer shot in the incident was Officer Joseph Hart. Officer Hart was shot by an armed suspect as he was attempting to disarm Khyren Rashaad Lawrence. Officer Hart has been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries.
The armed suspect that shot Officer Hart has been identified as Khalil Rashawn Lawrence of Jacksonville, Florida. Lawrence is currently hospitalized for injuries he sustained after being shot by an assisting HPD Officer following the shooting of Officer Hart. Lawrence is currently listed in stable condition. Grand Jury Indictments have been issued for Khalil Rashawn Lawrence and will be served upon his release from the hospital. The charges include two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and two counts of Assault with a firearm on a Law Enforcement Officer.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation.
Update 06/20/2024:
On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Khalil Rashawn Lawrence was released from the hospital and taken into custody by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. He was served with the Grand Jury Indictment for the charges of two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and two counts of Assault with a firearm on a Law Enforcement Officer. He is currently being held in the Catawba County Jail and awaiting his first appearance.