Suspect shot while holding pregnant woman hostage; 3 officers on leave

CHARLOTTE, NC (WSOC) — Three Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers shot a man Monday night while he was holding a pregnant woman hostage during a home invasion, authorities said.

Officers said they were called to Holly Street after a 911 caller said a gunman had forced his way into a home.

Officers said they saw the suspect, Johnathan Autry, holding the woman at gunpoint and repeatedly told him to drop his gun and let the woman go.

The woman managed to create a slight separation between herself and the suspect while police continued to order him to drop the weapon, investigators said.

The three officers perceived an imminent deadly threat and fired their weapons, hitting Autry multiple times.

Autry was taken to a hospital where he’s listed in critical but stable condition.

An investigation determined that the home was not randomly targeted, even thought the woman did not know Autry. Police believe the gunman used the name of the victim’s husband when demanding the family’s money. The husband was not at home at the time of the incident.

Autry will be charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon once he’s released from the hospital.

CMPD identified the three officers as Officer Shon Sheffield, Officer Joseph Bauer and Officer James Tindall. All three have been placed on administrative leave.

Sheffield has been with CMPD since August 2012. Bauer has been with CMPD since October 2013. Tindall has been with CMPD since October 2015. All three are assigned to the Metro Division.

Witnesses told police a second suspect may have been involved in the home invasion. They described him as a short, heavyset black male wearing dark clothing.