CMPD Identifies Officer Involved In Weekend Shooting

CHARLOTTE, NC — A Charlotte officer with more than eight years experience on the force has been placed on paid administrative leave following a weekend shooting that left a suspect wounded after he shot at officers, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said Monday.

According to a police report, the incident began around 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning in the 9300 block of Steele Creek Road when officers responded to an emergency call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon at a convenience store.

"Preliminary information indicates that officers arrived at the convenience store and encountered the robbery suspect, the suspect fired shots at officers and one officer returned fire," CMPD said in a statement. "No officers were injured in the shooting."

The suspect, who was later identified as Jemario Bernard Baldwin, 34, fled the scene in a vehicle and led officers on a chase that ended in the 2100 block of S. Tryon Street when the vehicle crashed into a utility pole.

"When officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, they discovered he sustained a gunshot wound," CMPD said.

Baldwin was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound and injuries for the vehicle collision. Once he is released from the hospital, he will be arrested and served warrants, which include: Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Law Enforcement Officer, First-Degree Kidnapping, Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous weapon (two counts), Assault by Pointing a Gun, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, and Felony Fleeing to Elude in a Motor Vehicle.

CMPD identified the officer involved in the shooting as Officer Samantha Thompson, who is currently assigned to the South Division.

Thompson has been placed on paid administrative leave, as per department policy when an officer fired a service weapon. "As is standard procedure with any officer involved shooting, the Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate but parallel investigation to determine whether CMPD policies and procedures were adhered to during the incident," CMPD said.

The State Bureau of Investigation is also conducting an investigation, CMPD said.

CMPD said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and said that anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.