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Police: Gastonia officer fires shot after driver hits cruiser

GASTONIA, N.C. — Police arrested Larry Kitchin after he struck a police officer's cruiser Wednesday and then jumped out of the vehicle and ran.

The incident occurred on South York Road in Gastonia.

Police said they identified a stolen car and when they tried to block it in, Kitchin backed up and hit the cruiser.

Investigators said there was a brief chase where the driver hit a tree and then ran off.

Officials said the officer fired a shot during the incident.

Officers swarmed the area near Hunter Huss High School and are searching for the Kitchen.

Police said the officer has a minor laceration.

Kitchin is in jail under a $155,000 bond.


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