RALEIGH, N.C. — The Raleigh Police Department has identified the man who was shot and killed when he exchanged gunfire with an officer Wednesday night.
According to our sister station, WTVD, David Tylek Atkinson, 24, jumped over the counter at a BP gas station just after 7:15 p.m. and stole money from the store clerk while also stealing tobacco products.
“I immediately looked toward the counter and that’s when I saw a man pointing a gun at the clerk’s head and so I sat the beer I had in my hand down and I made a beeline to my car, got into it, drove out onto New Bern (Avenue) and immediately called the cops,” witness Riley McConnell told WTVD.
Security footage appears to show Atkinson pointing a gun at the store employee during the robbery.
WATCH VIDEO POSTED BY RALEIGH PD:
Atkinson left the gas station with the cash and merchandise in a plastic bag. He ran away, heading for a nearby apartment complex. When police arrived at the apartments, witnesses described to them where Atkinson ran, according to WTVD.
Shots were then exchanged and both the officer and Atkinson were hit.
Atkinson was taken into custody and then rushed to the hospital, where he later died. The stolen cash, tobacco and handgun used in the robbery were found on the ground next to him, police said.
The officer who was shot was treated at the hospital and released.
Police said the officers involved were wearing body cameras. The city plans to file a petition to release this video in accordance with North Carolina law.
The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the actions of the involved officers, which will be presented to the District Attorney for review when it is complete.
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