Suspected shooters identified in recent police incident

An update has been posted regarding a police officer-involved shooting. The names of the suspected shooters have been released.

A suspect and a police officer were injured in the incident in late May. Shortly after 2 a.m. on May 26, Hickory Police officers responded to multiple gunshots coming from the area of ​​the Gateway Pub at 534 Highway 70 Southwest. After responding to the scene, officers encountered an armed suspect and attempted to arrest him.

As officers attempted to arrest the initial suspect, a second armed suspect began shooting at officers. A police officer was hit by two bullets from the suspects. An assisting officer responded and discharged his firearm, striking an armed suspect. EMS was immediately contacted as officers began life-saving measures for the injured officer and suspect.

The injured officer was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center, where his injuries were treated, and he is expected to recover. The injured suspect was airlifted to Caroline Medical Center.

The first armed suspect encountered by police was identified as Khyren Rashaad Lawerence of Jacksonville, Florida. Lawerence was charged with going armed to terrorize the public and carrying a concealed weapon.

The police officer shot during the incident was Joseph Hart. Officer Hart was shot and killed by an armed suspect while attempting to disarm Khyren Rashaad Lawerence. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

The armed suspect who allegedly shot Officer Hart has been identified as Khalil Rashawn Lawerence of Jacksonville, Florida. Lawerence is currently hospitalized for injuries he suffered after being shot by an HPD officer assisting following Officer Hart's shooting. Lawrence is currently listed in stable condition.

Grand jury indictments have been issued against Khalil Rashawn Lawerence and will be served upon his release from the hospital. The charges include two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation.

(Hickory Police Department press release)