So. Carolina Police Officer in “good spirits” after being shot in arm
NEWS STAFF
ANDERSON, SC — A city police officer was shot during a robbery attempt around 3:30 a.m. today outside Churchills Pub on Greenville Street and his protective vest shielded him from two bullets, said Anderson police spokesman Randall Williams.
Williams said David Fikes, who is just six months out of the police academy, was responding to a call at the pub. Fikes put a spotlight on the trash bin in the rear of the building and spotted the suspect, Williams said.
The suspect took off running and Fikes chased and caught him. The two began to fight and gunfire erupted, Williams said. Fikes was hit twice in the chest, which was protected by his bullet-resistant vest, and at least two times in the arm.
The suspect, who may still be armed, fled. Williams described him as a skinny black male, about 6' 3'’ tall and wearing a black T-shirt and scarf or bandana on his face.
City and county officers have been joined by state troopers in a search for the suspect who fled in the direction of Cardinal Racquet Club nearby. A SWAT team, K-9 unit, and helicopter are assisting in the search.
Witnesses who were in the pub at the time of the shooting gave their accounts of what happened.
Fikes’ condition was not known but Williams said “at the time, he was alert and in good spirits.”
Williams said he will hold a press conference this morning at 9:30.
Copyright Greenville News 2007