Police officers shoot, kill man who shot woman, shoot at first responders in Catawba County

NEWTON, NC (WBTV) – A man is dead after shooting a woman multiple times and shooting at first responders, prompting police to shoot him in Catawba County early Tuesday morning.

THE Newton Police Department said he received a call around 12:35 a.m. that a woman had been shot in the parking lot of the Catawba County Government Center.

Police said she left the government center and was found in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Northwest Boulevard, a little more than two miles down the road.

While firefighters and emergency responders were assisting the woman, the suspected shooter drove into the parking lot and began shooting in the area where first responders were tending to the victim.

Officers at the scene returned fire, hitting the man, causing him to drop his weapon and fall to the ground. He was also shot several times.

The man and woman were taken by ambulance to Catawba Valley Medical Center before being flown to Charlotte. The woman is in stable condition, but the man died in hospital.

Police said the man and woman knew each other, but have not yet released their names.

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending an NC SBI investigation.

“It is unfortunate that officers had to take their own lives to save many,” Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe said in a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our officers, the victim and others affected by this senseless act of violence. Domestic violence remains a serious problem and must be addressed immediately.

An investigation into the case is ongoing and anyone with information should call Newton police at 828-465-7430.

Related: Sheriff: Man shot by deputy after fleeing arrest in Alexander County

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