An officer-involved shooting occurred at a Gaston County Walmart this morning, resulting in a woman being shot while she was in a car with her three young children, according to the Gastonia Police.
The incident took place at approximately 6:45 am on East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia.
The situation began with a minor traffic accident as the woman, driving a black Nissan Altima, collided with a median in the parking lot, causing a tree to fall. Following the collision, a bystander approached the vehicle to offer assistance, but the woman shot at and missed him, while her 10, 7, and 1 year old children were in the car with her.
When officers arrived, the woman then reportedly shot at them, prompting one officer to return fire, striking her. The children were not injured, but the youngest was hospitalized as a precaution for a respiratory issue unrelated to the incident.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is now leading the case, and an internal investigation has been initiated.
The identity and condition of the woman, as well as the charges she might face, have not yet been disclosed.
