Local News

Franklinton Chief: Targeting law enforcement officers is unacceptable

The Franklinton Police Department is a small department of about nine officers, so Police Chief John Green, Jr. never expected a drive-by shooting where one of his officers seemed to be the target.

Posted Updated

FRANKLINTON, N.C. — The Franklinton Police Department is a small department of about nine officers, so Police Chief John Green, Jr. never expected a drive-by shooting where one of his officers seemed to be the target.

Lt. Reggie Norfleet was the apparent victim in a drive-by shooting that occurred just outside his home Sunday morning. Norfleet was in the process of gathering gear to go fishing at about 4:30 a.m. when he heard gunshots outside, Green said.

"We did find shell casings. There was a 380 caliber round that was shot inside of his house, actually we found two bullet holes," Green said. "He said he heard anywhere from two to three shots."

After hearing the shots, Norfleet went outside to investigate and discovered that one of the bullets had entered the home and penetrated the couch in his living room.

Norfleet drives an unmarked vehicle, but his address is no secret. Green said that Norfleet's wife and children were home during the shooting, but were not injured.

"That's what's so disturbing. We're used to being the target, but not our families," Green said. "By attacking the house, you attack our families."

The Franklinton incident comes as law enforcement officers across the country seem to be under attack. A deputy was gunned down in Houston, a police officer was shot and killed in Illinois, and in Las Vegas, officers were ambushed at a traffic light, resulting in injuries.

Green is now warning officers to watch their back.

"Be extra cautious, don't rush to calls anymore, watch your surroundings, don't take calls as routine anymore," Green said.

Green echoed what police chiefs have been saying across the country- targeting law enforcement officers is unacceptable.

He said that, at this point, investigators have a small lead in the drive-by shooting but he's asking for help from the public to help find the person responsible.

Green said that Norfleet received an evaluation earlier this week and is already back on patrol.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.