August 22, 2008

Alfonza Edwards (B/M, 11/19/1971) is in police custody after shooting at officers as they entered his residence while attempting to serve a search warrant.

Officers with the West Service Area Crime Reduction Unit (West CRU) and the Street Crimes Division were serving a search warrant for drug activity at 1335 Orvis RD at approximately 11:10 p.m. on Thursday August 21, 2008.  The suspect fired shots at officers as they entered the residence. No officers were injured in the gunfire. Officer Joseph Milliken returned fire, striking Mr. Edwards in the right knee.  A second occupant inside the residence was armed however she did not fire her weapon at the officers. Mr. Edwards was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Officer Joseph Milliken was hired July 18, 2005 and is currently assigned to the West CRU.

Mr. Edwards' arrest history in Charlotte-Mecklenburg goes back to 1991. Charges include aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, burglary, and the sale/manufacture/distribution of drugs.

As is standard procedure with officer-involved shootings, Officer Milliken has been placed on paid administrative leave. Also consistent with standard procedure, Homicide detectives are conducting the criminal 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.