Robbery suspect dies after being shot by Sanford police officer, SBI says

The State Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday that it has opened a probe into the shooting of a robbery suspect who died following the encounter with police.

Ronald Michael McCrary, 63, was pronounced dead after he was rushed for treatment to Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford.

The SBI identified the officer who shot McCrary as Sanford Officer Samuel McLeod, 36. The agency did not disclose how long McLeod has been on the force.

A law enforcement officer who shoots a suspect is usually place on administrative duty while the SBI looks into the matter, a routine response.

Police were called to the Dollar Tree at 2031 S. Horner Blvd. in Sanford on a report of an armed robbery, investigators said in a written statement.

A clerk at the store told police that a man armed with a knife came into the store, demanded money and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police said officers found McCrary in a wooded area next to the Dollar Tree and he was armed with a knife.

As they were attempting to arrest the suspect, McLeod "fired his service weapon, striking the suspect." Police said the suspect was transported to Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford for treatment.

Sanford Police Chief R.V. Yarborough and District Attorney Vernon Stewart asked the SBI to investigate the incident, and that McLeod would be placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.