Officers with the Clinton Police Department are now on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of an unknown subject at one of the town’s local fast-food restaurants.

According to a press release from Clinton Police Chief Jay Tilley, officers responded to a 911 call at the Burger King at 100 Southeast Blvd. at approximately 11:57 p.m. The call was placed by employees of the restaurant, asking for help. When officers arrived, Tilley said they found a male subject in a truck in the parking lot, armed with a shotgun.

“Responding officers, including a trooper from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, cordoned off the parking lot and attempted to negotiate with the subject to surrender,” Tilley stated in the release. “The male subject did not respond to the officer’s commands to put the weapon down.”

According to Tilley, the unidentified subject pointed the shotgun at the officers, who returned fire, fatally striking the man. The male subject was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been determined at this time. There were no injury to the officers.

“The Clinton Police Department has requested the State Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation in the details of the shooting,” Tilley said. “The Department’s Internal Affair Unit will also conduct an administrative investigation into the shooting. All officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of these investigations.”

Tilley said as more information became available, additional press releases would be provided.

By Kristy D. Carter

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