FAYETTEVILLE — A Lincoln police officer is on paid administrative leave after he reportedly shot a knife-wielding boy in the leg late Monday night.
According to the Lincoln Police Department, Officer Chris Williams shot the teen after a chase that ended on Rheas Community Road, just north of Lincoln Lake.
Police declined to release the name of the 17-year-old, who would be subject to juvenile court proceedings unless he is charged as an adult in circuit court. The Lincoln Police Department issued a statement Tuesday describing the incident, but referred all questions to Police Chief Russell Morphis.
An officer answering the department’s phones Tuesday said Morphis was unavailable until today.
According to the department’s statement, Williams was called to a report of a suspicious vehicle about 11:10 p.m. Monday. The statement did not describe where the vehicle was or where Williams went.
Williams reported the vehicle’s driver attempted to flee and nearly struck his patrol car. He lost sight of the vehicle, but later found it. After a chase, the driver lost control and wrecked on Rheas Community Road, according to the statement. The teen reportedly ran after Williams ordered him several times to “get on the ground.” Williams shot the teen as he turned with a knife in his hand toward the officer, according to the statement.
Williams reportedly fired one shot from his handgun, striking the boy in the leg.
The boy fled into a wooded area and was later arrested by officers from the Lincoln Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
He was taken by ambulance to Washington Regional Medical Center and treated for his wound, according to the release. A police spokesman said the teen remained at the hospital, was stable and his injuries were not life-threatening.
The boy faces felony charges in connection with fleeing and aggravated assault.
Williams was placed on paid administrative leave while the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigates the shooting.
Sheriff Tim Helder said his department will review the officer’s actions and events leading to the shooting.
“We’re in the middle of it right now and we’re reviewing the officer’s statement and looking at evidence from the scene, video footage, things of that nature,” Helder said Tuesday.
Helder said the investigation could be complete by today.