Durham teen injured, charged after firing gun while fleeing from police

Officers with the Durham Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 2600 block of Owen Street at about 2:15 p.m. and were informed the man was in possession of a weapon.

When officers located the man, identified as Lafabian Holmes of Durham, he attempted to flee and ran toward Ashe Street, police said.

During the pursuit, Holmes reached into his waistband and a loud sound, resembling a gunshot, was heard, authorities said.

Holmes suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

No officers fired their weapons during the incident and a gun not belonging to Durham police officers was discovered at the scene.

Holmes was charged Saturday night with carrying a concealed gun, possession of a handgun by a minor, resisting a public officer and discharging a firearm within city limits.

Local business owner Samuel Jenkins witnessed the incident and said he feared it could turn into a situation in which police would be required to fire their weapons.

"He's running, trying to grab something, so I'm watching and I move over and I see him get past the pole and when he gets past the pole, he goes and I hear pop," Jenkins said.