Man in critical condition after Zebulon officer-involved shooting

Zebulon Police Chief Tim Hayworth said Kurt Lee Walters called police from an Walmart to tell them he was a wanted man.

When officers arrived at about 5:30 p.m., they found a man at Murphy's Gas Station, at 841 East Gannon Avenue, who they determined was Walters.

Hayworth said Officer Robert Pritchard, 35, approached Walters to discuss the situation, and he shoved the officer.

Walters then produced a weapon and Officer Nathaniel Brown, 52, a second responding officer fired one shot, which struck the man in the neck, Hayworth said.

Hayworth did not disclose what type of weapon the man displayed, but said it had been secured at the scene.

"We do have a weapon secured, but because we're waiting on the weapon to be processed, we've not looked at it closely, inspected it," Hayworth said.

Authorities on Sunday night were focusing on a vehicle in the parking lot that had been reported stolen and may be connected to the man. On Monday, officials were asking businesses surrounding the Walmart for information.

Both officers involved in the incident were unharmed, authorities said.

"I just think it's crazy. I can't believe this happened in Zebulon. Of all places, it just doesn't seem like a place this would happen," passerby Brianna Lewis said.

Hayworth said Walters was not wanted by the Zebulon Police Department.

The SBI will investigate the incident, which is protocol with officer-involved shootings.