North Carolina police officer shot in line of duty has died, police chief reports
A Shelby police officer who was shot while looking for a wanted man over the weekend has died, the police chief is reporting.
>> UPDATE: Man accused of killing North Carolina police officer arrested in Rhode Island
Officer Tim Brackeen, 38, died at Carolinas Medical Center Monday morning.
Law enforcement are still searching for 23-year-old Irving Fenner Jr., the man accused of shooting Brackeen.
Brackeen was shot around 12:20 a.m. Saturday while looking for Fenner, who was wanted on outstanding warrants, officials said. Other responding officers heard the gunshots and found Brackeen wounded.
The police chief told WSOC-TV that Brackeen was shot in the torso.
Brackeen was first transported to Cleveland Regional Medical Center and then flown to Carolinas Medical Center, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was listed in critical condition.
Fenner was wanted on armed robbery and kidnapping charges, and now authorities have issued a warrant for the 23-year-old on suspicion of murder.
On Monday, Gov. Pat McCrory's office announced the state is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Fenner's arrest.
Fenner's last known address is 2506 Blacksburg Road, Grover, North Carolina.
More charges may be added later as the investigation progresses.
Brackeen had been with the Shelby Police Department since July 2004 and worked as a K-9 officer. He was named Officer of the Year in 2012. He was married and had a daughter.
The State Bureau of Investigation is helping with the ongoing investigation.
"At this time, our department asks for everyone to keep Officer Brackeen, his family and the entire department in their thoughts and prayers," Shelby police said in a press release.
There will be a community vigil for Brackeen Monday night at 7 p.m. in the court square in downtown Shelby, North Carolina. Organizers are encouraging everyone to wear blue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shelby Police Department at 704-484-6845 or CrimeStoppers at 704-481-8477.
