A Roanoke Rapids police officer was shot this afternoon on Interstate 95 during a vehicle stop near the 171 southbound exit.

Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek declined to immediately release the officer’s name but said he was seriously injured.

Detectives Frankie Griffin, left, and Charles Vaught pull crime tape.

The shooting occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. when the officer stopped a stolen vehicle with a white male and female occupants, Bondarek said.

The driver shot the officer. The vehicle is believed to a 1997 greenish gray Geo with Pennsylvania tag numbers HHB-9493.

Mayor Emery Doughtie told rrspin.com the officer was stabilized at Halifax Regional Regional Medical Center and was being transported to Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville.

Bondarek said anyone who was on the interstate around 2:20 p.m. is encouraged to call 911, Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the police department at 252-533-2810.