NEWTON, NC — A 21-year-old Catawba County man, Camden Skyler Childers, has died following an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon after a high-speed motorcycle pursuit through Conover, near Newton.
According to the Newton Police Department, the incident began when officers attempted to stop a motorcycle traveling at an excessive speed along U.S. Highway 70. When the driver, later identified as Childers, refused to stop, a brief police chase ensued.
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The pursuit came to an end in a commercial area where Childers reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and came to a stop. Authorities say that upon dismounting, Childers displayed a firearm. Despite officers issuing multiple commands to drop the weapon, the situation escalated quickly, resulting in officers discharging their weapons.
Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly and attempted life-saving measures. Tragically, Childers was pronounced dead at the scene.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has taken over the case, which is customary in officer-involved shootings. Investigators will examine body camera footage, physical evidence, and eyewitness accounts to determine the full scope of events and whether the use of deadly force was in accordance with protocol.
Childers, described by loved ones as a spirited young man who had struggled but was trying to find his path, is being mourned by friends and family across the Catawba County area. His death has sparked grief and calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as is standard practice.
Community leaders and local residents are urging patience, accountability, and compassion as the facts of the case are carefully reviewed. Authorities are also encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.