CHARLOTTE, N.C. – One person is dead after two robberies in Charlotte lead to a shooting involving a police officer Wednesday.

• Two robberies occurred earlier before the incident
• A witness say the suspect was asked a few times to remove his hands from behind his back
• Chief Putney says the officer felt threatened and it's why he used his gun

Police say K9 officers approached a subject, now identified as Michael Kelley, 32, who matched the description of a suspect wanted in two armed robberies that occurred earlier Wednesday. This happened in the 1500 block of West Boulevard in Westover.

We’re told Officer Kiefer confronted Mr. Kelley verbally before he ran toward him. A release from Charlotte Police says:

Officer Kiefer attempted to make contact with Mr. Kelley in the parking lot of 1520 West Boulevard. Officer Kiefer exited his vehicle and immediately began to give loud, repeated, verbal commands to Mr. Kelley. Mr. Kelley immediately began to walk quickly toward Officer Kiefer, rapidly closing the distance. Officer Kiefer opened the rear door of his marked police vehicle and his K-9 exited the vehicle. Officer Kiefer gave commands to his K-9 to engage Mr. Kelley. Mr. Kelley began to sprint toward Officer Kiefer. Officer Kiefer continued to give loud, repeated, verbal commands to Mr. Kelley; however, Mr. Kelley ignored the commands and continued to rapidly advance toward Officer Kiefer. Officer Kiefer fired his service weapon, striking Mr. Kelley.

Kelley was transported to the hospital where he died a short time later.

Police say a knife was located on the scene.

As is standard procedure with any officer-involved shooting, CMPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct an investigation to determine whether CMPD policies and procedures were adhered to during the incident. Officer Kiefer will be placed on paid Administrative Leave, which is standard policy whenever an officer discharges their weapon.