Man in police shootout faces federal charges

A Kings Mountain man went before Judge David Cayer for a first appearance Friday.

While court only lasted a few minutes, the judge told James Lewis federal charges will be brought against him for his alleged involvement in the Dec. 12 robbery of a fast-food restaurant.

James Lewis, 31, was wearing an orange jumpsuit and pushed out of federal court in a wheelchair by U.S. marshals.

Prosecutors said Lewis walked into a Jack-in-the-Box on Pineville-Matthews Road, pointed a semiautomatic handgun at the manager and stole $450.

An affidavit filed in federal court by the Federal Bureau of Investigation said since payroll checks for employees are sent from San Diego to Charlotte, the robbery affected interstate commerce, bringing federal charges.

Lewis was later arrested at this house in Fort Mill, S.C.

Investigators said they were attempting to serve an arrest warrant when gunfire broke out between Lewis and Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Shane Page.

Both were hit and underwent surgery for their injuries.

Lewis faces a maximum of 20 in prison on the robbery charge.

Lewis could be facing more federal charges because Page was working under the umbrella of a federal task force serving the warrant on Lewis.

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WSOC