Local

Officer recovering after being shot following chase; 3 suspects on the run

WADESBORO, N.C. — A Wadesboro police officer is recovering in the hospital after being shot late Tuesday night following a chase, according to officials.

The shootout happened just before 11 p.m. at an apartment complex in Wadesboro.

Authorities said someone called to report gunshots on the north side of town. Officers then spotted a car with four people in it and tried to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop, and led police on a chase, officials said.

Police chased the car for a short time before the pursuit ended on Myrtlewood Drive. That’s when officers and the suspects in the car exchanged gunfire, officials said.

One of the officers was shot and airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Authorities told Channel 9 he is expected to be OK.

"I hate it happened and I hope they do alright,” said Shaquita Richardson, a neighbor.

One suspect was also shot, but his condition is unknown. Three other suspects are still on the run.

When Channel 9 arrived at the scene, we saw a heavy police presence with evidence markers, crime scene tape and bloodhounds trying to track down the suspects.

Several agencies responded included the Union County Sheriff’s Office, who brought a mobile command center to the scene.

Officials said another officer was shot during the incident but only his equipment was damaged.

No descriptions of the suspects at large have been released. The SBI has been called to investigate.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.