Knightdale Police: Woman shoots shoplifting suspect

KNIGHTDALE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- An active investigation is underway after police said a shoplifting suspect was shot in Knightdale Monday evening.

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Officers blocked off the scene in front of a business complex in the 7000 block of Knightdale Boulevard, right next to a Burger King.

Police said they were investigating a larceny at the Walmart on Knightdale Boulevard about 6 p.m. when the shoplifting suspect ran from officers into a nearby office building and was shot and injured.

Officers chased the suspect, who they said forced his way into C. H. Wells CPA LLC and encountered the owner Connie Wells, who was working alone inside. A town official told ABC11 that the woman fired a shot.

"The suspect, during that encounter, was shot and sustained a gunshot wound," Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence R. Capps explained. "The suspect has been transported to the hospital for treatment."

The shoplifting suspect, identified as 24-year-old Deondre Branch, of Clayton, was taken to WakeMed and is in critical but stable condition.

Police stressed that no officers were involved in the shooting.

"This is not an officer-involved shooting," said Capps. "Obviously, it is an evolving case. It's very rapidly evolving at this point."

The Wake County Sheriff's Office is assisting in the investigation.

The office worker involved in the shooting has been "fully cooperative with police efforts," a town spokesman said.

On Tuesday, investigators were still sorting through surveillance video, examining evidence related to the case, stating:

"It is important for everyone to understand that the dynamics of such a case must be handled with great care. It is necessary for certain details to be preserved at this time in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation. At some point, our agency will also be conferring with the District Attorney's Office to determine most appropriate course of action."idence related to the case, stating "