Staff report

SALISBURY — A bank robbery led to the shooting of a customer inside the bank and the fatal shooting of a suspect after a police chase this evening in Salisbury.

The incident started at Wells Fargo at 866 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. According to Salisbury Police, the department was notified at 5:04 p.m. that an armed robbery was in progress at the bank.

During the robbery, a customer was shot inside the bank, Police Chief Jerry Stokes said.

A city press release detailed initial reports.
“As officers were en route to the bank, SPD was notified that a vehicle in the area was either the source of shots fired or received shots fired,” the press release says.

A vehicle matching the description of that car — which may have been stolen from the bank parking lot — was soon seen speeding near Brenner Avenue, Lincolnton, South Fulton Street, and back towards Jake Alexander Boulevard.

Officers spotted the suspect vehicle, a black Acura, and gave chase.

Stokes said the car hit a civilian vehicle in front of Jerry’s Shell gas station at Jake Alexander Boulevard and Mooresville Road.

A man who was in the suspect vehicle either pointed a gun or shot at police, and several officers fired shots, hitting the man, Stokes said.

The suspect has since died, and a police press release said additional victims may have been injured.

The bank customer shot during the robbery was taken to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, the chief said.

Identities of those shot have not been released.

“The FBI and SBI are assisting the SPD with the investigation of the bank robbery, officer-involved shooting, and other possible crimes committed by the suspect,” the press release says.
“Further information on this incident will be provided as more facts are known.”