SALISBURY, N.C. – Police in Salisbury are investigating an officer-involved shooting where multiple people were injured following an armed bank robbery and police chase Thursday afternoon.
According to Salisbury Police, officers responded to a reported armed robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank in the 800 block of West Jake Alexander Boulevard just after 5 p.m.
Investigators said one customer inside the bank was shot during the robbery. That person is being treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"You never really think it's going to happen until it happens," said Rodolfo Trujillo, whose girlfriend is a teller at the bank.
After the robbery, the suspect exited the bank and "took control of a vehicle" and fled the scene.
While en route to the bank, officers were notified that a vehicle in the area was the source of gunshots or received shots during the incident. A vehicle matching the description given to police was later spotted at a high rate of speed near Brenner Avenue towards Jake Alexander Boulevard. Officers then gave chase to the suspect vehicle.
Investigators are still trying to determine whether a person inside that vehicle was shot.
"We were coming down the street and we saw a car cross the median and crash into our car," said a witness who didn't want to be identified.
During the chase, police said the suspect vehicle crashed into a citizen's vehicle. Immediately after the crash, the suspect either pointed a gun or fired at officers. Multiple officers opened fire, striking the suspect, who died. Investigators said additional victims were injured during the incident.
"Immediately after the crash, either the suspect pointed their gun or fired at the officers," said Salisbury Police Chief Jimmy Stokes.
No officers were hurt in the shootout with the suspect.
The FBI and SBI are assisting Salisbury authorities with the investigation of the robbery, possible carjacking, and officer-involved shooting.