Theshooting occurred about 6:30 p.m. at a convenience store in theAmoco station at Highway 39 and Interstate 85.
Officer W.C. Lewis, 28, was treated and released and placed onadministrative leave with pay while investigators try to determine ifhe was defending himself against attackers.
According to State Bureau of Investigation agents, Lewis shot two othermen, Victor L. Batchelor, 26 and James Thomas Glover, 24, both ofHenderson, who were later transported to Duke Medical Center.
Investigators say the incident began when an argument broke out in thestore's parking lot. The police chief says the two men had the Hendersonofficer down and were beating him. He says Lewis broke free and shot oneof the men in the torso, the other in the leg.
The man who was wounded in the torso ran across Highway 39 andcollapsed in the parking lot of a Shell station.
Cheryl Hill is a clerk in the convenience store where the shootingoccurred. She knows all three men involved, and told WRAL TV5'sMark Robertsshe believes Lewisdid the right thing.
Chief Melvin Smith of the Henderson Police Department says he,too, believes Lewis was in the right.
No charges have been filed against any of the men yet. Batchelor is inserious condition with a chest wound. Glover was treated for a leg woundand released.
Lewis was also injured in the incident.
The SBI will continue its investigation and will submit afinal report to the District Attorney's office.
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