Locust reveals identity of man hit in officer-involved shooting

More details have been released following an officer-involved shooting in Locust Tuesday night.

At 8:42 p.m. Tuesday, a Locust patrol officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a silver convertible passenger car driven by Michael Angelo Gales, 37, of Locust after witnessing multiple traffic violations in the area of North Central Avenue and Bethel Church Road, Locust Police revealed in a press release Wednesday.

The Locust officer pursued the vehicle to the Whispering Hills subdivision near the intersection of Meadowcreek Village Drive and Whispering Hills Drive where Gales stopped and exited his vehicle. Shortly after, there was an exchange of gunfire between Gales and the Locust officer, with Gales being struck. Fire and EMS were requested to respond, and emergency aid was rendered.

Gales was airlifted to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday he was listed in critical condition.

The involved Locust officer was not struck by gunfire.

Gales has been charged with several offenses including resisting a public officer and his initial court appearance is set for August 9.

Per Locust Police Department policy, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was requested to conduct an investigation into the incident as an independent impartial outside agency. Also, per standard policy, the involved officer was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the SBI’s investigation and Locust’s administrative investigation. The identity of the involved officer will not be released at this time.

The Locust Police Department is pursuing all applicable criminal charges against Gales for the incident. Details of those charges will also be released at a later time.

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