October 8, 2007

Three suspects are in custody and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting. One suspect fired least one shot and officers returned fire, striking a suspect who is being treated at Carolinas Medical Center. A second suspect also was transported for treatment of a dog bite sustained when a K9 Unit located him. The third suspect was later taken into custody. None of the officers were injured.

Police are investigating these suspects in connection with a series of overnight robberies and looking at the possibility that other suspects are involved. The suspects' identities will be confirmed/released after detectives have made contact with victims and witnesses from the robberies believed to be connected in this case.

As is standard procedure in situations involving the use of deadly force, Officer David Artieri, Officer Alvin "Joe" Mullis and Officer Eric Ryerson have been placed on administrative leave. Officer Artieri, 38, was hired January 25, 1995 and is assigned to the Eastway Division. Officer Ryerson, 31, is also assigned to the Eastway Division. He was hired March 24, 2003. Officer Mullis, 43, was hired January 30, 1991 and is assigned to the Providence Division.

It is still early in the investigation and most of the details and circumstances have yet to be determined. The following are preliminary findings:

• At approximately 4:15 a.m., officers in the area of Idlewild Road and Independence Blvd. spotted a vehicle reported stolen in an earlier armed robbery (20071008030200) 
• The vehicle was occupied by three males
• Officers turned on blue lights and sirens to initiate a stop and the vehicle failed to stop 
• Two suspects jumped and ran from the vehicle after they pulled onto Florence Avenue off of Rama Road
• As officers pursued on foot, at least one of the suspects fired a weapon
• Officers returned fire, striking one of the suspects, who was transported to CMC with serious injuries
• The second suspect was located by a K9 Unit and taken into custody
• The third suspect was later located nearby and taken into custody
• Criminal charges are pending

What Happens Next

Homicide and Robbery detectives are conducting the criminal investigation and will present the results to the 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 any departmental policies were violated. This case is eligible for review by the Citizens Review Board.