An inquiry by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation continues into an officer-involved shooting by Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin, City Manager Joseph Scherer said this morning.

The agency has given no time frame on how long the investigation might take.

Asked whether there might have been evidence to suggest the suspect involved in a chase, who was shot by Martin, may have tried to run the chief over in his vehicle, Scherer said, “I have not been advised of any circumstances.”

Scherer said at a press briefing on December 20, the day of the shooting, that he was confident the chief acted in accordance with all the department policies when he shot the man.

Martin has been placed on administrative paid leave until the preliminary investigation by the SBI is complete.

The officer-involved shooting occurred at the intersection of Hinson and South Monroe streets, around 8:45 that morning. 

The man Martin and other officers were chasing had outstanding warrants. His name has not been released.

It is not clear where the chase began, although an Active 911 alert noted a chase eastbound on Tenth Street around the same timeframe.

The man who was shot was in the vehicle by himself and it’s not believed the person had any ties to the Hinson Street area.