By Mark Wineka
mark.wineka@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — The Department of Public Safety released a statement this afternoon saying a Rowan County trooper, on routine patrol around 2 a.m. today on N.C. 153, was purposely hit by an all-terrain vehicle.

The ATV’s driver turned around and attempted to hit the injured trooper again before the trooper responded by discharging his gun, the state release said.

According to reports, the trooper, whose name was not released as of yet, sustained “serious, but not life-threatening injuries” and was transported to Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast.

The trooper reportedly was on routine patrol early this morning when he observed two all-terrain vehicles (four-wheelers) riding in the travel lanes of N.C. 153.

The trooper activated his car’s emergency lights and attempted to stop the ATV operators, who pulled into Harmony Lane, located within a southern Rowan subdivision.

The trooper exited his vehicle and began to approach the ATV operators, according to reports.

“At that point, one of the operators intentionally drove toward the trooper at a high rate of speed, striking him,” the release said. The operator then turned around and attempted to strike the trooper a second time. At that point, the trooper discharged his service weapon attempting to avoid further injury, causing both operators to flee the scene.”

During a press conference this morning giving an update on the state’s response to the snow and ice storm, Gov. Pat McCrory mentioned that a trooper in Rowan County was intentionally hit by an all-terrain vehicle while the trooper was working the storm.

“It is inexcusable behavior by the individuals,” McCrory said, adding the trooper was injured, and “I think he’s OK now.”

McCrory added that “shots were fired by the trooper.”

“We’re going to be looking for those people that did harm to one of our public safety officials,” McCrory said. “Totally inexcusable.”

McCrory said there were many “very unique circumstances” during the prior 24 hours, but in referring to the ATV incident, he said “one was very disturbing.”

The Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s assistance in providing information that could identify the ATV suspects. Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Highway Patrol Communications Center at 800-233-3151.