24-year-old woman shot after hitting Spring Lake officer with car

The woman who was shot Monday night after she drove into a Spring Lake police officer had her 5-year-old daughter in the car, police said.

Officer Milton Deleon responded to a report of a careless and reckless driver in the 800 block of Lillington Highway at about 8:40 p.m.

Authorities said Deleon pulled over the vehicle and began speaking to the driver, 24-year-old Melanie Wensel, of Spring Lake. Wensel then fled from the traffic stop, hitting the officer with the vehicle. Captain Charles Kimble said Deleon was struck in his lower extremities but it is not clear if Wensel was aiming for the officer.

Deleon fired his service weapon, striking Wensel as she fled, police said. Wensel's daughter, who was sitting in the seat behind Wensel, was not injured. She was turned over to her father.

Deleon and Wensel were taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment. Deleon was treated and released, and Wensel is in stable condition.

Kimble said authorities will review tapes and body camera footage from the scene.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are assisting in the investigation.