Rocky Mount officers attacked while responding to altercation; man shot in foot

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two Rocky Mount police officers were struck Saturday night while responding to a reported fight.

Around 8:20 p.m., authorities were called to a physical altercation between Herman Dickens and Alexa Violando in the front yard of a home in the 700 block of Cokey Road.

According to the police department, when officers tried to intervene, Dicken hit both of them several times in the head before retreating into the residence. A gunshot was heard.

Investigators said they determined Dickens shot himself in the foot while inside the home.

A firearm was recovered from the residence, and a small-caliber shell casing was later found near the front door. No officers discharged their firearms during the incident.

Dickens surrendered and was taken to Nash UNC Health Care for treatment. One officer hit in the head and face was also taken to Nash UNC.

Dickens faces the following charges:

• Possession of a Firearm by Felon (no bond)
• Two Counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer & Resisting a Public Officer (combined $20,000 bond)
• Assault on a Female (Domestic Violence) (no bond)

This is an ongoing investigation.