WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem Police say Officer Nicholas Powell was shot multiple times during a traffic stop just before 2:00 a.m. Monday.
Winston-Salem Police Chief Barry Rountree said another officer had pulled over a white Nissan Sentra for speeding on Highway 421/Business 40 near Lowery Street. When that officer smelled marijuana coming from the car, he called for backup. Officer Powell responded.
Chief Rountree said the officers asked the three men inside the car to get out, so they could search it. One of the men jumped back in the car and attempted to drive off. Officer Powell clung onto the car, which dragged him approximately a quarter mile. At some point, the car stopped, and Powell and the driver had a “struggle.” Rountree explained during that struggle, the suspect’s weapon shot Officer Powell “multiple times.” The suspect got shot once. Chief Rountree said at this point in the investigation, it does not appear any of the officers’ weapons were discharged.
Police have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Gary Giovon Lynn from Raleigh. Lynn is a convicted felon and has faced previous charges of weapons violations and robbery.
Both Lynn and Officer Powell are at a local hospital being treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Chief Rountree said Officer Powell is awake and talking.
According to police, the officer did have a body camera on at the time of the incident, but neither police nor the district attorney plans to release the footage during the investigation.
Chief Rountree said Officer Powell was shot including once in the chest but his vest stopped the bullet.
Lynn is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He’s in the Forsyth County Detention Center on a $1,000,000 bond.
Diyancy Ladson is charged with Speeding. He was cited and released. The third person in the vehicle will not face any charges.
Police seized a gun, ammunition, casings, and marijuana from the vehicle.
“… it does not appear any of the officers’ weapons were discharged.”
Then why are they still breathing?
“Both Lynn and Officer Powell are at a local hospital being treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.”
That sucks.
“Chief Rountree said Officer Powell was shot including once in the chest but his vest stopped the bullet.”
Head shots solve THAT problem… and it sounds as if he was DEFINITELY close enough for that.
Apparently this bozo shot himself in the arm while shooting at the pig.
To save them the trouble, I imagine.