‘Breaking down’: Officer recovering after being shot, family grieving homicide victim

MONROE, N.C. — A Monroe police officer is recovering at home Monday after police said she was shot by an 18-year-old man during a traffic stop over the weekend.

Law enforcement escorted her from Atrium Health Main in Charlotte back to Monroe on Sunday.

The officer tried to stop Joshua Sikes at about 1:45 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Old Charlotte Highway and Rocky River Road.

Sikes sped away and she chased him until he stopped along Goldmine Road near River Chase Drive, police said.

Monroe Police said officers used stop sticks, and that’s when Sikes got out of the car and opened fire on the officer and ran into the woods.

“He actually shined the light from the gun on her, which blinded her — and she said she knew when something was very bad...so she laid over as far as she could into the center console area," Lt. Morgan Malone said. “I don’t know how she’s alive.”

Monroe Police showed Channel 9’s Gina Esposito where the patrol car was struck by more than a dozen bullets. Bullet holes could be seen in the steering wheel and headrest.

Police told Esposito that the officer was struck three times: twice in the shoulder and once in the head.

“She said she is grateful and that she knows she is incredibly lucky to be alive,” Malone said.

There was a manhunt that ended at about 4 a.m. when officers shot and killed Sikes after he shot at them, too.

“Another officer actually put her in his patrol car and rushed her to the hospital,” Malone said. “That’s a decision he made to save any critical time to make sure she received what she needed.”

Monroe Police credited Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police for their help in locating Sikes following the chase. They said CMPD’s helicopter’s heat-seeking technology assisted in locating Sikes in the woods and informed them that he was armed with a rifle.

Sikes was also tied to a deadly shooting on Astoria Drive in Indian Trail.

Deputies found the body of 23-year-old Alvin Parson, who was shot to death in his girlfriend’s home.

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Esposito spoke with the man’s family. Family members told her they are heartbroken.

“Crying off and on. Breaking down sometimes, you know,” said the victim’s mother, Theresa McNeil.

Alvin Parsons’ sister, Kiyanna Parsons, said he was a father of three who loved God above everything.

“We were so close, I just miss him,” she said. “I just love him. We used to have weird jokes. I won’t hear it again, but it will always stick in my mind.”

His family told Esposito that they hold no resentment. They said it’s what Alvin Parsons would have wanted.

“I hate that two lives were lost,” McNeil said. “Two young lives. I hate that. I wouldn’t want any of to happen, I hate any of it happened.”

The family is receiving support from MARCUS, or Mothers Advocate for Real Change and Unwavering Support. They are hoping to plan a candlelight vigil.

The investigation into the homicide remains open.

Police have not released the name of the officer who was shot.

VIDEO: Monroe police identify gunman who allegedly shot officer after pursuit

Monroe police identify gunman who allegedly shot officer after pursuit