Halifax deputy shoots self during pursuit

Enfield, N.C. — Deputy Charlie Jenkins of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department accidentally shot himself in the hand early Tuesday while chasing a suspect, authorities reported.

Jenkins was attempting to stop a man on a scooter just after midnight off N.C. Highway 561 near Enfield, Lt. Bobby Martin said.

With Jenkins in pursuit, Darvin Johnson, 40, of Enfield, jumped off his scooter and ran into a cotton field, Martin said. The two wrestled and Johnson managed to get the deputy's flashlight and tried to strike Jenkins in the head.

Jenkins put up his hand to block the flashlight and fired his gun at the same time, Martin said. The bullet hit his left hand, then struck Johnson in the shoulder.

Both men were treated at Halifax Regional Hospital and released.

Johnson was sent to the Halifax County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, driving with his license revoked, driving without registration and resisting a public officer.

Johnson was wanted by the Enfield Police Department on warrants for traffic and drug offenses.

Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Frazier has said it is of his opinion that Jenkins did everything by protocol. The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting, which is standard in officer-involved shootings.

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Latest Comments

Enfield's finest!

bdaniels
July 15, 2008 6:43 p.m.

Should be just like the person he was arresting shot him. No difference. If he had not been resisting it would never have happened.

Just Once
July 15, 2008 5:23 p.m.

I believe they should make Assault On An Officer or any emergency worker a FELONY anyway. It's sad that they only make it a minor charge!!

illegals--GO HOME
July 15, 2008 5:17 p.m.

Dr. Dataclerk "If I had to shoot myself to be manly/womanly, then there is a problem. He needs to retake shooting classes."

Ok, let's put you in a field, at night, with someone trying to clock you in the head with a Maglight and see how well you do. And I'll let you in on a little secret. Paper targets and shooting classes aren't going to prepare you for a hand-to-hand, fight for you life kind of situation that this officer encountered.

Molōn labe!

Gooseye
July 15, 2008 5:00 p.m.

There are some really lame posts on here. I am so glad none of you have ever had to fight with someone while they are trying to take your gun. I have and it's not a very "fun" feeling when you know if they get control of it then you are dead. Most LEO's carry a heavy duty flashlight, some metal, with four to eight batteries in it and it packs a great punch if you were to get hit in the head with it....could either knock you out of kill you. It's too late after you get hit with it to do the shooting sometimes so if someone were to start to swing at me with it or throw it toward my head I might have shot too. As for shooting himself in the hand, remember he was fending off the guy and the flashlight and the dynamics going on can put body parts at risk sometimes. The defendant had no right to try to fight with the officer and thats what propelled the whole incident. Glad the officer will be okay. Hope your buddies don't pick on you too much, but most of them have been in fights too!!

illegals--GO HOME
July 15, 2008 4:00 p.m.