HICKORY, N.C. — Officers are on leave and a suspect is in the hospital after a shooting outside a church.
Police say it happened just as Sunday morning service was starting.
The incident took place on Center Street in Hickory close to Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church.
Police say Robert Lester approached an officer outside a restaurant there and challenged him. Officers then chased him across church property as worshipers were arriving for service.
Officers released a K-9 and Lester tried to stab it.
According to investigators, an officer later fell and when Lester turned toward that officer with a knife in his hand, police shot him in the leg.
He is now in stable condition at the hospital.
No officers were hurt.
The SBI is investigating and the officers involved are on leave, which is standard.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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