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Officer, suspect identified in east Charlotte officer-involved shooting

By Alexa Ashwell
By Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte Mecklenburg police officer is on paid leave after officials say he shot a suspect early Sunday.

Officials say Robert Morrow III was armed and running from police when he was shot by Officer Jeremiah Dossett.

Morrow remains at Carolinas Medical Center.

IMAGES: CMPD investigating officer-involved shooting in east Charlotte

Exactly what Morrow did in the moments before he was shot has not yet been released. Dossett told investigators he opened fire because he feared for his life.

Police were called to the area of Albemarle Road and Regal Oaks Drive after reports of an armed man around 2 a.m.

Investigators said Morrow matched the description of the man and ran when confronted by police. It was during this chase that Morrow was shot.

"We saw a lot of blue lights on our way home," said Azeez Idowu, who was visiting a friend at a nearby apartment complex. "It depends on what he (Morrow) was doing. Maybe the cop was trying to protect himself."

Dossett has been on the CMPD force for four years. In 2015, he testified in the high profile manslaughter trial of former CMPD Officer Randall Wes Kerrick, who shot and killed Jonathan Ferrell, who was unarmed.

Records show Morrow had had numerous run-ins with police. He's been arrested approximately nine times in Mecklenburg County since 2014. Initial charges listed include felony drug possession and felony larceny.

Officials confirmed Morrow has warrants for larceny in Union and Gaston counties.

Records also show he served time in prison. The primary offense listed was for fleeing from police.

When released from the hospital officials say Morrow will also be charred with assault on a female, assault by pointing a gun, cocaine trafficking and resisting arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call 704-432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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