A man is charged with first-degree attempted murder after a shootout with police in Rocky Mount, North Carolina last week, authorities said. A bullet hit one of the officers' holstered handgun, according to the police department.
Another officer on the scene shot and injured Antonio Wilkins, 47, behind a Food Lion grocery store on Feb. 9. Wilkins was flown to ECU Health in Greenville, where he survived his injuries, police said in a news release.
Wilkins was released from the hospital Monday and charged with four counts, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to police.
Police had been searching for a stolen car in Rocky Mount that day and seized it at about 1:15 p.m. About 30 minutes later, officers caught up with Wilkins, described as a suspect in the car theft, police said.
Wilkins ran from police, but officers caught up with him, according to the department. As he struggled with officers, Wilkins allegedly pulled out a gun and started shooting, police said.
"One of those rounds struck the holstered duty weapon of one of the officers. The second officer on scene returned fire," police said. Wilkins was shot in the leg, police said.
EMS got to the scene in less than 10 minutes after the shooting and started treating Wilkins. The police officer had a bruise from the shooting.
Both police officers have been with the Rocky Mount Police Department for 15 years, according to authorities.
Wilkins is being held without bond. His first court appearance is set for Monday.