Hickory, February 9, 2026
An officer-involved shooting in Hickory left a 35-year-old man, Robert Mitchell Lester, injured after he allegedly approached police with a knife. The incident unfolded outside Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church during Sunday services. Lester tried to stab a police K-9 during the encounter, prompting officers to fire, injuring him in the leg. He is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. The State Bureau of Investigation is overseeing the investigation.
Hickory, North Carolina –
Officer-Involved Shooting Leaves Man Injured Outside Hickory Church
A 35-year-old man, identified as Robert Mitchell Lester, was shot and injured by Hickory Police officers on Sunday morning after allegedly approaching officers with a knife and later attempting to stab a police K-9. The incident unfolded on Center Street, near Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church, just as Sunday services were commencing. Lester was transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has been called in to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, a standard procedure for such incidents in the state.
Details of the Incident
The sequence of events began when Robert Mitchell Lester allegedly approached Hickory Police officers in their patrol car. This initial encounter occurred outside the El Paso Mexican Restaurant on North Center Street. According to reports, Lester was armed with a knife and acted in an “aggressive” manner, verbally challenging the officers. In response, officers exited their vehicle to confront Lester.
As additional officers arrived at the scene, Lester reportedly fled on foot. His path led him across property belonging to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. At the time, church members were arriving for their 10 a.m. service.
During the pursuit, Hickory police deployed a K-9 unit in an attempt to apprehend Lester. Investigators reported that Lester allegedly tried to stab the police dog. The chase continued, and as Lester reached the vicinity of 16th Avenue NW, an officer reportedly fell. It was at this moment, when Lester allegedly turned back towards the fallen officer while still holding the knife, that police fired, striking him in the leg.
Following the shooting, Lester was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently listed in stable condition. Authorities have confirmed that no police officers were injured during the incident.
State Bureau of Investigation Takes Over
As is customary for officer-involved shootings in North Carolina, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has taken charge of the investigation. This agency is responsible for conducting criminal investigations across the state and is frequently requested by local law enforcement agencies to assist in such cases. The SBI’s primary role in these investigations is to determine whether the actions of the officer were justified or if they constitute a violation of the law. Their findings are then reported to the local district attorney, who holds the authority to decide whether to press state criminal charges against the officers involved.
The officers directly involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. This measure is a standard procedure in such circumstances and remains in effect pending the outcome of the SBI’s investigation.
Law Enforcement Protocols
In North Carolina, when an officer is involved in a shooting, the local law enforcement agency often requests the SBI to conduct an independent investigation. This practice aims to ensure an impartial and thorough review of the incident. The SBI’s investigation typically includes interviewing the involved officers and witnesses as soon as practical, while also considering their medical or psychological needs. The agency also gathers evidence from the scene to reconstruct the events accurately.
The SBI’s work is crucial for transparency and accountability within the state’s law enforcement system. Upon completion of their investigation, a comprehensive report is submitted to the District Attorney’s office for review and potential action. The incident on Sunday in Hickory remains an active and developing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Hickory, North Carolina?
- A 35-year-old man, Robert Mitchell Lester, was shot and injured by Hickory Police officers on Sunday morning after allegedly approaching officers with a knife and later attempting to stab a police K-9.
- When did the incident occur?
- The incident took place on Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, just as Sunday services were commencing, around 10 a.m.
- Where exactly did the shooting occur?
- The incident unfolded on Center Street in Hickory, near Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church and El Paso Mexican Restaurant.
- Who is the individual involved in the shooting?
- The man shot by police has been identified as Robert Mitchell Lester, 35 years old.
- What is Robert Mitchell Lester’s current condition?
- Robert Mitchell Lester was transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
- Were any police officers injured?
- No police officers were injured during the incident.
- Which agency is investigating the shooting?
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has been called in to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
- Is it standard for the SBI to investigate officer-involved shootings?
- Yes, it is standard procedure for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to investigate officer-involved shootings in North Carolina.
- What is the status of the officers involved?
- The officers directly involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is a standard procedure in such circumstances.
Key Incident Features
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Center Street, Hickory, near St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and El Paso Mexican Restaurant | Local |
| Date of Incident | Sunday, February 8, 2026, around 10 a.m. | Local |
| Individual Involved | Robert Mitchell Lester, 35 years old | Local |
| Individual’s Condition | Stable condition at hospital | Local |
| Police K-9 Involvement | Lester allegedly attempted to stab a police K-9 | Local |
| Investigating Agency | North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) | State-level |
| Officer Status | Officers on administrative leave | Local |
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