The Associated Press
CLAYTON, N.C. (AP) -- Clayton police shot a man they said pointed a rifle at them during a search for an escaped prisoner.
Manuel Pena, 59, on Monday night ignored repeated orders from police to put the rifle down, said Clayton Police Lt. Bill Newsome. More than one officer shot Pena, Newsome said.
Pena was transported to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh where he was listed in critical condition Tuesday night, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Newsome said the incident began shortly after 10 p.m. when officers were asked to help find an inmate who jumped from a vehicle and ran from a probation and parole officer.
Officers using dogs could not find the escapee.
When they were searching the yard around Pena’s house, Pena came to the door with a rifle.
“The officers were in full uniform,” Newsome said. "(They) told the resident to put the rifle down several times. Then the male resident pointed the rifle at one of the officers. ... The officers shot the resident.”
The State Bureau of Investigation and the Clayton Police Department are investigating the shooting.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave until the SBI investigation is complete, Newsome said.
Newsome did not know how many officers were involved, except that it was more than one. He did not provide the names of those involved.