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CMPD arrives seconds after couple shot in Plaza Midwood

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The three off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who saved a couple after they were shot during a robbery Saturday night spoke to Channel 9 Wednesday.

“There was a reason, a higher power than what we can imagine. We were there for a reason at that moment. At that split second,” Officer Shabeer Mohammad said.

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“As the victims were being shot, we were exactly beside it, coming down Central Avenue,” Lt. Bret Balamucki said.

Mohammad and Balamucki were working security for area businesses in Plaza Midwood around 11 p.m. when they heard gunshots. The pair immediately turned their cruiser into a nearby shopping plaza where they found a couple hunched over with gunshot wounds.

“The male victim actually had enough energy and wits about him to point at an individual that was leaving in the vehicle and said, ‘That's the guy that shot me,’” Mohammad said.

Balamucki pursued the three suspects until they crashed about a mile away.

Back at the scene, Officer Katie Anderson, who was working off-duty security for a nearby restaurant heard the radio call for help.

“I realized 1400 block, that's exactly where I am,” Anderson said.

Together, and with the help of a good Samaritan’s jacket, the officers wrapped one victim’s wound.

The couple was rushed to the hospital.

“I'm proud that lives were saved,” said Chief Kerr Putney, who also called the officers’ actions heroic.

The couple’s family wrote a letter expressing their sincerest gratitude.

The officers plan to reunite with the couple at a later date.

Parker family letter:

"The Parker family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and specifically the three officers, who without hesitation, came to their rescue and aide Saturday night.

These police officers acted quickly, selflessly and with immense courage, and we feel blessed to have been recipients of their commitment and bravery. We are thankful for the support and prayers of family, friends, and the Charlotte community and we are also thankful for the policeman who put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens of Charlotte.

We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and encourage you to count your blessings, as we are counting ours. God Bless"