ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Authorities have identified both the man and the officer involved in an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday, July 20, in Elizabeth City.
According to the Elizabeth City Police Department, officers responded to a call around 12:40 p.m. reporting an individual armed with a weapon near the intersection of Hughes and Halstead boulevards. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a 32-year-old man, later identified as Michael John Wiggins, who police say was in possession of a firearm.
During the encounter, an officer discharged his weapon, striking Wiggins. The officer has been identified as James Kendrick Judge, a 20-year veteran of the Elizabeth City Police Department. Following standard protocol, Officer Judge has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Police say officers rendered aid to Wiggins until emergency medical personnel arrived. He was initially transported to Albemarle Medical Center and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for further treatment. His current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is now leading the investigation into the incident. Officials say all findings will be reviewed to determine whether the use of force was justified under the circumstances.
As the investigation continues, community members are closely watching for updates, and authorities have pledged transparency throughout the review process. Further details will be released as they become available.
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