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Durham police officer, man exchange gunfire

A Durham police officer dove for cover Thursday night after a man walked up and began shooting at him, police said Friday.

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DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham police officer dove for cover Thursday night after a man walked up and began shooting at him, police said Friday.

The incident happened about 10 p.m. on Lakeland Street, just north of Truman Street. Police said Officer J.T. West was sitting in his patrol car, working on a report, when he saw two men approaching his car from behind.

As West got out of the car to speak to them, one of the men pulled out a gun and began firing, police said. The man fired six shots at West, striking the patrol car once.

West fired two rounds in return. Police said it wasn't known if West wounded either of the men.

West injured his wrist when he dove behind a staircase at a vacant apartment building at 1414 Lakeland St. He was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

Police said West and the men, who ran from the scene, never exchanged words.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200. A reward is being offered.

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