The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is currently investigating an officer involved shooting in the parking lot of the Texaco Gas Station in the 4900 block of North Tryon Street that occurred on Thursday, November 20, 2008.  Officers from the North Tryon Division and the West Service Area Crime Reduction Unit attempted to make a traffic stop on a white van for a revoked registration tag, taillights out, and no seatbelt while it drove along North Tryon Street.  The van's driver, Donald Ray Oakes, Jr.,(DOB 6/13/1973)  was driving in and out of parking lots, refusing to stop for officers; this incident did not involve a police pursuit.  Mr. Oakes eventually came to a stop in the parking lot of the Texaco Gas Station.   Once the van came to a stop, Mr. Oakes immediately exited the van from the passenger side and began firing multiple rounds at officers.  Four officers returned fire, striking Mr. Oakes several times. 

The officers immediately called MEDIC and CFD in order to treat Mr. Oakes.  Upon initial treatment by medical personnel on scene, it was discovered that Mr. Oakes was wearing a bullet proof vest.  In addition, a handgun was recovered on scene in close proximity to Mr. Oakes.  Mr. Oakes also had a stun gun in a holster and two folding knives.  Mr. Oakes was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center with life threatening injuries.  Currently, Mr. Oakes is back in surgery and is listed in critical condition. 

One CMPD Officer received minor injury; he was cut by broken glass.  The officer was treated and released. 

Mr. Oakes has been charged with six counts of attempted murder in reference to this incident.

As is standard procedure with officer-involved shootings, the following officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. D.R. Kennerly (DOH 5/14/2007), K.A. Bynoe (DOH 3/24/2003), J. Allman (DOH 9/25/2006) with the North Tryon Division; A.A. Demaiorbus (DOH 10/17/2001), C.N. Denton (DOH 10/1702001), and M.J. Ford (DOH 7/18/2005) with the West Service Area Crime Reduction Unit,  Also consistent with standard procedure, Homicide detectives are conducting an investigation and will present the results to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney. Internal Affairs is conducting a separate, parallel internal investigation. A Shooting Review Board, made up the officer's chain of command, Internal Affairs and an outside civilian participant from the Community Relations Committee, will review all available evidence and interview appropriate witnesses to determine whether all departmental policies were followed.