Newton police shoot man who shot woman and fired at rescue workers

NEWTON, NC — A man is dead and a woman is injured after a shootout with police in Newton, police confirmed. The man fired at emergency responders when officers fired back, the police department said.

Editor’s note: This story is about domestic violence. There may be descriptions of violent acts. Readers should exercise discretion.

Officers from the Newton Police Department received a report that a woman had been shot around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday. The woman told authorities she was shot in the parking lot of the Catawba County Government Center.

She then left the scene and police found her in the parking lot of a Planet Fitness gym on Northwest Boulevard. While emergency responders were at the scene treating her, police say the suspected shooter drove into the parking lot and began shooting. At that point, police say, officers fired back, hitting the man.

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The man dropped his weapon and fell, Newton police said. Both the woman and the man had been shot multiple times.

The two were taken to Catawba Valley Medical Center and then to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for further treatment.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been established, is in stable condition. The suspect succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Police confirmed the pair knew each other. The nature of their relationship was not made public, but police said domestic violence “remains a serious matter and must be addressed immediately.”

The officers involved have been placed on leave pending findings from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, which is standard protocol in police-involved shootings.

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“This morning, several first responders, including police, fire and EMS, were caught in the middle of this tragic situation while attempting to save a life,” Police Chief Vidal Sipe said in a statement. “It is unfortunate that officers had to take a life to save several lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with our officers, the victim and others affected by this senseless act of violence.”

Several state and local agencies are assisting in the investigation. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430.

If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Help is available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.