On November 29th, 2023, Deputies with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with officers from the Kannapolis Police Department, were conducting a joint operation targeting internet crimes against children and child sex predators.
At approximately 1:45 pm, a 33-year-old suspect who had been chatting online with whom he believed to be a 15-year-old female arrived at a location on Bellwood Place in Kannapolis, NC, believing he was meeting the juvenile for sex. Upon entering the home, officers attempted to place the suspect in custody, but he resisted arrest. The suspect then drew a weapon and fired at officers attempting to arrest him. Officers from both agencies returned fire in response. Officers involved were unharmed, but the suspect was pronounced deceased on the scene. There were no citizens injured during this incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and any new details will be released as soon as the investigation allows.
The incident is currently being investigated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) per Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office and Kannapolis Police Department policy.
The suspect’s identity is being withheld until the family has been notified.
Officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol with any officer-involved shooting incidents. Once the investigation is completed, information will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review, which is also standard protocol.
Any further questions about the investigation should be forwarded to the NC-SBI for comment.