DA: Newton Grove police chief was justified in shooting kidnapping suspect in June

Warren shot Michael Almer Rich, who as of Tuesday was being treated for his gunshot wounds while in custody, while responding to a report of a woman who had been kidnapped and raped.

Warren shot Rich three times near Sam's Circle Mart on Clinton Street around 2:40 p.m., Sampson County deputies said. The shooting was justified because Warren was protecting his own life, Ernie Lee, the district attorney for District 5, which encompasses Sampson, Duplin, Onslow and Jones counties, said Tuesday.

Newton Grove police chief shoots man after report of woman being kidnapped and raped

"Chief Warren perceived an apparent threat, evaluated the situation in split seconds, made a decision and acted," Lee said. "Warren faced apparent danger as perceived by him ... and was justified in defending himself from death or great bodily injury."

When Warren asked to speak with Rich, the suspect began walking away from him toward the woman inside the Ford Focus. According to investigators, Warren grabbed Rich's shoulder and, as Rich turned toward the chief, he pulled a gun out from under his shirt.

When Rich pointed the gun toward Warren’s face, the chief pushed the gun away, stepped back then fired three shots at the suspect, who fell to the ground.

Warren, who was not wearing a body camera, was not injured. After shooting Rich, Warren held the man at gunpoint while radioing for medical assistance.

The following day, the Sampson County Sheriff's Office charged Rich with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sex offense, felony breaking and entering and possession of a firearm by felon while he was in the hospital.