Man shot by police accused of ramming patrol car before driving toward father, police say

CONOVER, N.C. — A suspect was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot by police in Catawba County Sunday evening, officials said.

Authorities responded around 5:15 p.m. to the scene on 4th Avenue NW, just north of downtown Conover.

Officers said the incident began as a domestic dispute between an 80-year-old man and his 50-year-old son over a piece of property.

Once police arrived, they said the son, Clegg Johnson, got in his SUV and rammed a patrol car, knocking it 50 feet backward.

Officers said Johnson then sped toward his father, and two officers fired several shots to stop him.

Channel 9 crews could see the SUV -- which had shattered windows and apparent bullet holes -- as well as a police cruiser with heavy front-end damage.

Johnson was flown to Atrium Health in Charlotte with critical injuries.

The father and officers were not hurt, police said.

Reporter Dave Faherty spoke with the father of the man who was shot and said he believes police acted appropriately.

Ken Johnson said his son had been dealing with major health issues and doesn’t have insurance, which had been very difficult on him. After police arrived at the home, Ken Johnson said his son, Clegg Johnson, became more irate and backed into a police SUV.

“I told the young officer, which is very true, that he is in God’s hands. Both my son and the officer,” Ken Johnson told Channel 9. “There is nothing here to be resolved. It’s already been taken care of and the young officer deserves all the praise in the world.”

The Conover Police Department has not released the names of the two officers who were involved. The State Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation in accordance with department policy.

No other details have been released and the investigation is ongoing.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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